Transport stress in bullfrog: Hematological and plasma biochemical responses

This work aims to evaluate the effect of transport stress on the hematological and biochemical responses in males and females of bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus). Frog conditions were evaluated before and at five times after transport (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) for both genders. Glycemia increased in the frogs evaluated at time 0 h and recovered 24 h after transport. Lactate increased in the animals evaluated at time 0 h, recovered at time 6 h and reduced 48 h after transport. Aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) increased in animals analysed 0, 6, and 12 h and recovered 24 h after transport. Alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) increased in the frogs analysed at time 0 h, recovered at time 6 h and decrease 48 h after transport. Total proteins, albumin and globulins decreased 48 h after transport. Triglycerides and total cholesterol decrease in the animals evaluated 24 and 48 h after transport. Males had high levels of total cholesterol. Number of erythrocytes increased in the animals evaluated 0 and 6 h after transport and recovered 12 h after transport. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of the frogs evaluated 0 and 6 h after transport were lower and recovered 12 h after transport. Hematocrit and hemoglobin decrease 48 h after transport. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) decreased in the animals evaluated 0, 6, and 12 h and recovered 24 h after transport. Frogs demonstrated rapid recovery of homeostasis after transport, between 6 and 24 h. Between 24 and 48 h after transport, a decrease in energy reserves and red blood series is observed, caused by prolonged fasting.