Exigo H400 MPA method facilitates hematology analysis of rodent blood

Direct analysis of small blood volumes

Rodent models are frequently used in clinical research, as they allow manipulations and interventions that are not possible in human studies. However, the much smaller blood volume that can be sampled poses a limitation to the volume that can feasibly be used for investigations without inducing hypovolemic stress in the animal.
The Boule micropipette adapter (MPA) method allows for small blood volumes to be collected and directly analyzed in the Exigo H400 hematology analyzer (Fig 1). A 20 µL sample is all that is needed to obtain results from a complete blood count (CBC) within one minute.

Fig 1. The MPA method of Exigo H400 allows direct analysis of small blood volumes collected by tail vein sampling of rats or mice. No excess blood collection, no vacuum tubes, or mixing required.

Studies of rodent models using Exigo H400 veterinary hematology analyzer

Rat model of colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by swelling and sores (ulcers) of the digestive tract. Among the complications of IBD is malabsorption of vitamins and micronutrients that ultimately can lead to anemia (1). Iron deficiency is a precursor of anemia and one of the most common systemic complications of IBD (2, 3). In case of defective hemoglobin synthesis due to iron deficiency, the red blood cells (RBCs) are unevenly small (microcytic), and anisocytosis (increased RBC distribution width [RDW]) can be the first laboratory finding that indicates anemia (Fig 2).

Fig 2. (A) Moderate anisocytosis (RDW 11%–20%). (B) Pronounced anisocytosis (RDW > 20%).

Adamkova and colleagues at the Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Slovakia investigated the suitability of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a rat model to monitor microbial changes during acute colitis, to test new microbiome-based therapies (4). Basic hematological parameters were determined in blood from the lateral tail vein collected into Boule EDTA micropipettes and analyzed in the Exigo H400 hematological analyzer. Amongst the findings, the results suggest that the DSS-induced colitis rat model can provide information on the effect of specific treatments on IBD-associated iron deficiency anemia.

Mouse model of hyperinflammation

Hyperinflammation or severe inflammation occurs in various disease conditions (5, 6), and is commonly associated with anemia and thrombocytopenia (7).

Malka and coworkers at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be’er Sheva, Israel investigated anti-inflammatory properties of small molecules and their potential as therapeutic agents against severe inflammation in LPS-induced hyperinflammation in a mouse model (8). Blood samples for hematology analysis were collected from mouse tails with Boule EDTA micropipettes and analyzed in the Exigo H400 hematological analyzer. The results show that small-molecule metabolites secreted by probiotic milk-fermented yeast can inhibit hyperinflammation and lower anemia and thrombocytopenia.

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Learn more about the MPA functionality of Exigo H400 veterinary hematology analyzer.

References

1. Harbord et al. The First European Evidence-based Consensus on Extra-intestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. J Crohns Colitis 10, 239–254 (2015).
2. Niepel et al. Practical guidance for the management of iron deficiency in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol https://doi.org/10.1177/17562848187690 (2018)
3. González et al. Prevalence of iron deficiency without anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease and impact on health-related quality of life. Gastroenterol Hepatol 41, 22–29 (2018).
4. Adamkova et al. Dextran Sulphate Sodium Acute Colitis Rat Model: A Suitable Tool for Advancing Our Understanding of Immune and Microbial Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Vet Sci 9, 238 https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050238 (2022).
5. Hotchkiss et al. Sepsis and septic shock Richard. Physiol Behav 176, 139–148 (2017)
6. Furman et al. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med 25, 1822–1832 (2019).
7. Canny et al. Immune Mechanisms in Inflammatory Anemia. Annu Rev Immunol 41, 405–42 (2023).
8. Malka et al. Tryptophol Acetate and Tyrosol Acetate, Small-Molecule Metabolites Identified in a Probiotic Mixture, Inhibit Hyperinflammation. J Innate Immun 15, 531–547 (2023).