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The total number of hemocytes and their morphological characteristics were analyzed in Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758, by light microscopy during different phases of hibernation. Three types of hemocytes were identified: hyalinocytes, agranulocytes, and granulocytes. Total number of hemocytes decreased significantly during hibernation. Most intensive changes in cell size, morphology, and appearance of special structures in granulocytes happened during the hibernation period itself. Termination of hibernation coincides with very important granulocyte transformation and the appearance of specific gigantic short-lived cells. All of the changes in cell number and morphology are characteristics of different hibernation phases and have a major role in adaptive hypothermia. Granulocytes are hemocytes of great importance in immune response while specific functions of hyalinocytes and agranulocytes remain largely unexplored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first study describing hematopoietic cells of quails and their differentiation in bone marrow. • First data for hematopoietic regions in quail liver. • Cadmium causes loss of nucleus in erythrocytes. • Cadmium effects on necrotic liver changes, erythrocyte agglutination and phagocytosis of acidophilic erythroblasts. Cadmium is a heavy metal classified as an environmental hazard, and its toxicity is subject to extensive research. Japanese quails were exposed to cadmium chloride (CdCl 2) ad libitum for 20 days. Bone marrow, peripheral blood and liver were analyzed following the exposure. Moreover, we have provided the very first explanation of hematopoietic lines in Japanese quail. Following CdCl 2 exposure, changes in the number, size and morphology of blood cells were observed in both peripheral blood and bone marrow. Alterations included severe erythrocyte damage, monocytosis and lymphopenia. In the liver of Cd-exposed animals we observed necrotic cells, absence of hematopoietic regions and cytogenetic changes of hepatocytes. Alterations in the bone marrow were also noted, as well as giant phagocytic cells, most likely macrophages. In vivo, CdCl 2 exposure caused swift and destructive changes in the hematopoietic niche, liver and other tissues responsible for the detoxification cycle of cadmium and its compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]