Morphologic and Cytochemical Staining and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Rhinoceros (Cyclura conutus) and Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Leukocytes
University of Miami, School of Medicine, Papanicolaou Cancer Research
Building, Miami, FL, USA
Abstract
Peripheral blood smears from four adult and one juvenile rhinoceros iguana (Cyclura conutus)
and four adult green iguanas (Iguana iguana) were examined after staining with periodic acid-shift (PAS), toludine
blue (TB), peroxidase benzadine dihydrochoride (PBD), Giemsa, and Wright-Giemsa. Heterophils, monocytes, and azurophils
stained positive for PAS. Monocytes resembled those of other reptilians. Basophils stained positive with toludine blue and
were negative for PBD and PAS. Heterophils and azurophils stained positive for PBD. Lymphocytes and eosinophils were seen
only in Wright-Giemsa and Giemsa. There was consistency in the cytochemical staining of both species. Transmission
electron microscopy revealed matrix within all granulocyte granules, including those of basophils. There are insufficient
data in reptilian hematologic parameters and cytochemical characterization. These results clarify improper nomenclature
previously reported and provides a reference for future hematologic studies in this species.
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