A study of the bone marrow precursors and hemoglobin of the blood cells of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa rufa L.).

The hematological characteristics of the red-legged partridge are reported. In addition to morphological observations of the circulating blood cells, a hemoglobin (Hb) analysis and cytochemical and ultrastructural observations of the circulating blood cells and their precursors in the bone marrow are presented. Two types of Hb, major and minor, were found. Hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed that they were composed of three different globin chains. On direct examination of the peripheral blood smear, red cells (2.36 x 10(6)/mm3), including 1-3% erythroblasts and rare stem cells; leukocytes (21,000/mm3), and thrombocytes (20-30,000/mm3) were identified. The WBC differential count was: heterophils, 40-70%; basophils, 1-8%; eosinophils, 0-6% %; lymphocytes, 16-50%; and monocytes, 4-11%. On further testing, the heterophilic leukocytes stained with PAS and demonstrated positive reactions for ATPase, ACP, and LAP. Under TEM, their granules appeared elongated and were of uniform density. A crystalline core was not observed. In contrast, the eosinophils contained round granules. B and T lymphocytes were distinguished. The former were identified by the presence of mIgM, the latter by their capacity to form E-rosettes and by the presence of ACP and ALE. Under TEM, the T cells were observed to have microvilli; rare, small granules, and vacuoles. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to identify three platelet factors in the thrombocytes: PF4, FVIIIRAg, and beta-TG.