Reference intervals and age-related variations in biochemical blood parameters in two primate species: Macaca mulatta and Papio hamadryas

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33910/2687-1270-2025-6-2-212-220

Keywords:

primates, biochemical references, Macaca mulatta, Papio hamadryas, translational medicine, medical primatology

Abstract

Reference values are essential for selection of healthy animals and the interpretation of experimental data in primatology. Establishing institution-specific biochemical reference intervals for primates maintained in our nursery is a critical component of somatic status assessment. The experimental breeding colony at the Institute of Experimental Pathology and Therapy of the Academy of Sciences of Abkhazia is comprised predominantly of Macaca mulatta and Papio hamadryas; consequently, most experiments are conducted on these two species. This study aimed to establish biochemical reference values for these primates. Blood samples from 109 individuals (67 Macaca mulatta and 42 Papio hamadryas) were analyzed. Subjects were stratified into three age groups: young sexually mature, mature, and older. The results were compared within each species; no interspecific comparisons were performed. For several parameters — including albumin, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase — data were obtained that we propose as provisional reference values for these two primate species. The assessment of glucose and triglyceride levels revealed abnormally high values, likely reflecting specific blood sampling procedures and animal housing conditions. Analysis demonstrated age-related differences in levels of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, and other parameters. The findings of this study require confirmation through further investigation.

References

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Published

2025-12-28

Issue

Section

Experimental articles