engleski

Morphologic And Cytochemical Characteristics Of Blood Cells From Two Freshwater Turtle Species: Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes In Bory De Saint-Vincent 1833) And Emys orbicularis (Linnaeus 1758) In Croatia

Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) is an endangered species that inhabits the area from Dalmatia, Albania, Greece and Cyprus all the way to Bulgaria. In the Republic of Croatia, it is protected by the law since there are only three populations remaining in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The biggest of them is located on the southern part of Konavosko polje and it is threatened by the construction of irrigational canals. Balkan Terrapin shares the habitat with the population of European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). The aim of this study was to assess physiological condition of this population of Balkan Terrapin. Using haematological and differential cytochemical techniques leukocytes types and erythrocytes of 34 individuals of Balkan Terrapin and 21 individuals of European pond turtle were characterised. Besides, additional six healthy adults captive Balkan Terrapins, held in the Zagreb ZOO, were also sampled for determination of reliable reference ranges of erythrocyte and leukocyte counts. Polysaccharides and glycoconjugates were detected using the AB (Alcian Blue) and PAS (Periodic acid-Schiff) stains. Enzyme-cytochemical methods only ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase Enzyme) was detected. Obtained leukocyte count mean values of a freshwater turtle (5 940/mm3 of blood) are approximately fitting the literature mean values of about 3 500-5 000/mm3 of blood, while the erythrocyte count mean values (405 333/mm3) are slightly greater. The AB dye stained the nuclei of all cells, which of eosinophils were found in both species and monocytes of Balkan Terrapin only. Using PAS and ALP lymphocytes and eosinophils were found in both species. Also, the PAS stained heterophils of Balkan Terrapin and thrombocytes of European Pond Turtle. Additionally, the ALP dyed heterophils and thrombocytes of Balkan Terrapin and monocytes of European Pond Turtle. This is one of the first researches in Croatia on this topic, which will, hopefully, improve its protection.

Haematology ; cytology ; endangered species

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