Morphologic and Cytochemical Staining and Ultrastructural Characteristics of Rhinoceros (Cyclura conutus) and Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Leukocytes
Papanicolaou Cancer Research Building, School of Medicine, University of Miami, 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), toluidine blue (TB), peroxidase benzidine dihydrochloride (PBD), Giemsa, and Wright-Giemsa. Heterophils, monocytes, and azurophils stained positive for PAS. Monocytes resembled those of other reptilians. Basophils stained positive with toluidine 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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