Variability of blood biochemical parameters and establishment of reference intervals in preclinical studies. Part 12: the common marmoset

Abstract

The common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) is currently widely used in preclinical studies. These animals are used in preclinical studies aimed at studying pathological conditions associated with the central nervous system, the immune response, the study of infectious and viral diseases, as well as metabolic disorders. The wide involvement of common marmosets in preclinical studies indicates the need for control and periodic monitoring of health. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals of biochemical blood parameters of healthy mature common marmosets, which can be used as the basic values of animals in preclinical studies. The data obtained from 24 males and 24 females were analyzed. The age of males and females of common marmosets was 12 months, the average body weight was 350 g. Determination of biochemical parameters of all animals was carried out under the same conditions using generally accepted analytical methods. For the study, blood was used, which was taken from the lateral vena of the hind paw of animals. The following parameters were recorded in the blood serum of animals: creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, glucose, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin. The obtained values were analyzed with other reference intervals found in the scientific literature. In general, the ranges of the conside­red indicators of both males and females were similar, but there were also differences. Thus, the upper limits of the calculated reference intervals of urea, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, creatine kinase and triglycerides were lower than similar literary values. According to such obtained ranges of values as total protein, albumin, glucose and lactate dehydrogenase, both similar and higher literary values were found. Differences in the obtained intervals of normal values with similar ranges from other publications may be associated with preanalytical, analytical and postanalytical features of the formulation of the analysis. Seasonality, conditions of keeping and nutrition of the marmosets are also important factors. That is why a serious aspect in preclinical research is the creation of reference intervals of healthy laboratory animals in each scientific center. The obtained intervals can help to avoid erroneous conclusions in the course of studying the safety of new therapeutic agents or modeling a pathological state.