Wj. Harewood et al., The effects of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and early lactation on haematology and plasma biochemistry in the baboon (Papio hamadryas), J MED PRIM, 29(6), 2000, pp. 415-420
The changes in the haematology and clinical biochemistry associated with th
e different stages of the menstrual cycle, gestation and lactation in the b
aboon (Papio hamadryas) were evaluated in a prospective longitudinal study.
Serial EDTA and heparin blood samples were collected from 12 baboons. Haem
oglobin concentration, haematorcrit, red blood cell and white blood cell co
unts were decreased in the luteal compared to the follicular phase (P < 0.0
01): the reverse effect was observed for platelet count, total protein and
albumin concentrations. The changes in plasma concentrations of sodium, pot
assium, urea, creatinine and cholesterol and plasma osmolality were charact
erized by reductions (P < 0.01) in early pregnancy which were maintained th
roughout gestation. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin and alk
aline phosphatase, as well as haemoglobin, haematocrit and red cell count w
ere reduced (P < 0.001) from mid-gestation. Platelet count and plasma calci
um concentration fell continuously throughout gestation (P < 0.001). Plasma
triglycerides were lower and plasma iron was higher (P < 0.01) in gestatio
n compared to the phases of the menstrual cycle and lactation. By 1 week po
st partum, all parameters except haemaglobin had returned to pre-conception
levels.