Clinical biochemistry and hematology of the elusive sun-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus solatus) in Gabon: inaugural data from the only semifree ranging colony in the world.

Clinical blood biochemistry and hematology are valuable tools to evaluate health and welfare in many animal species. In order to document the general biology of one of the most poorly known nonhuman primate species, and contribute to its conservation, the clinical blood biochemistry and hematology of the sun-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus solatus Harrisson) was investigated in its range of endemicity in Gabon. Data derived from 26 years of clinical monitoring of the only semicaptive colony of this species in the world, housed at CIRMF (Franceville, Gabon), were analyzed in order to establish reference values of age-sex classes. Consistent with previous reports in other primate species, age and sex significantly affected a number of biochemical and hematological parameters in C. solatus. Hematological analyses demonstrated significant differences in red blood cells, hemoglobin (HB), and hematocrit (HT), with males showing significantly greater values than females. In contrast, neutrophil counts were greater in females. An ontogenetic effect was detected for HB, HT, eosinophil, and monocyte counts, while lymphocytes significantly decreased with age. Biochemical analyses also showed significant differences, with females displaying greater cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase levels. Increase in levels of blood urea and aspartate aminotransferase coupled with decrease in albumin in old individuals suggested declining kidney, liver, and muscle functions with age. Interspecific comparisons were conducted and the effects of the unique semifree-ranging setting on the validity and value of the results presented are discussed. The reference values established will be useful in further ecological, parasitological, and virological studies of the sun-tailed monkey.

[Absence of plasmodial infection among wild monkeys in Northern Senegal?]. / Absence d'infection plasmodiale chez les singes sauvages du Nord-Sénégal?

Eighty-two wild monkeys belonging to the two species Chlorocebus aethiops and Erythrocebus patas were collected in the northern part of Senegal, West Africa. Thick blood smears were performed and Giemsa stained. Slides were microscopically examined with a sensitivity of the method estimated at 2 parasites per mm3 of blood. No blood parasites were observed. This negative result is in line with previous studies which never showed evidences of malaria parasites in monkeys from African savannahs. This intriguing absence is underlined.

Haemogram and Serum Biochemical Values of Four Indigenous Species of Monkeys in South West Nigeria.

Haematological and serum biochemical values are useful guides and biomarkers in health and diseases for reaching a diagnosis, estimating disease prognosis and monitoring treatment progress, in mammals. Reference ranges for some parameters differ among species of mammals and between sexes within a species. There is dearth of information on standard reference value for blood parameters for Nigerian indigenous monkeys. Whole blood and serum samples obtained from 50 apparently healthy adult monkeys in both captivity and from the wild in southwest Nigeria were subjected to haematology and serum biochemistry to obtain preliminary reference values for haematological and serum biochemical analytes for Cercocebus sebaeus (Green monkey), Cercopithecus mona (Mona monkey), Erythrocebus patas (Patas monkey) and Papio anubis (Anubis baboon). Numerical data were summarized as mean and standard deviation and subjected to statistical analysis; Student t test and analysis of variance, to compare values of blood parameters obtained between species and gender. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The hematocrit of male animals were significantly higher than that of females (P=0.01) in all the 4 species studied but there was no significant difference in other blood parameters such as total white blood cell and the differential counts, platelet count, serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations between the sexes. Generally, there was no significant difference between total white blood cell and the differential counts, hematocrit, red cell count, haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, serum aspartate transferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total plasma protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations among the monkey species.

Enzootic Circulation of Chikungunya Virus in East Africa: Serological Evidence in Non-human Kenyan Primates.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a globally emerging pathogen causing debilitating arthralgia and fever in humans. First identified in Tanzania (1953), this mosquito-borne alphavirus received little further attention until a 2004 re-emergence in Kenya from an unknown source. This outbreak subsequently spread to the Indian Ocean, with adaptation for transmission by a new urban vector. Under the hypothesis that sylvatic progenitor cycles of CHIKV exist in Kenya (as reported in West Africa, between non-human primates (NHPs) and arboreal Aedes spp. mosquitoes), we pursued evidence of enzootic transmission and human spillover events. We initially screened 252 archived NHP sera from Kenya using plaque reduction neutralization tests. Given an overall CHIKV seroprevalence of 13.1% (marginally higher in western Kenya), we sought more recent NHP samples during 2014 from sites in Kakamega County, sampling wild blue monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys (N = 33). We also sampled 34 yellow baboons near Kwale, coastal Kenya. Overall, CHIKV seropositivity in 2014 was 13.4% (9/67). Antibodies reactive against closely related o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) occurred; however, neutralization titers were too low to conclude ONNV exposure. Seroprevalence for the flavivirus dengue was also detected (28%), mostly near Kwale, suggesting possible spillback from humans to baboons. CHIKV antibodies in some juvenile and subadult NHPs suggested recent circulation. We conclude that CHIKV is circulating in western Kenya, despite the 2004 human outbreaks only being reported coastally. Further work to understand the enzootic ecology of CHIKV in east Africa is needed to identify sites of human spillover contact where urban transmission may be initiated.

Social and environmental influences on blood serotonin concentrations in monkeys.

Dominant male adult vervet monkeys have whole-blood serotonin concentrations approximately twice those of subordinate adult males. We examined the effects of spontaneous and induced changes in social status, temporary isolation from the social group, and membership in single male groups on whole-blood serotonin concentrations. We found that in male vervet monkeys, elevated blood serotonin concentration is a state-dependent consequence of active occupation of the dominant male social position, and we believe that a reinterpretation of the significance of hyperserotonemia in humans may be warranted.

Seasonal variation of serum lipids in the vervet monkey.

Seasonal variation of serum lipids has been observed in man, primates and other species. We are presenting data on serum lipid variation in Vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). The monkeys (54 males, 33 females) were fed control diets (commercial pellets, fruit, vegetables) and data were pooled and grouped by season. Data having been obtained in South Africa, the seasons were: summer (December, January, February); fall (March, April, May); winter (June, July, August); and spring (September, October, November). Data presented are based on multiple samplings. Total serum cholesterol (mg/dl) and beta-lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dl) varied significantly with season, peak values being observed in the fall months. Triglyceride and alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol levels showed seasonal variation which was not statistically significant. However, when data were analyzed by weight group (less than 3.3 kg; 3.3-4.3 kg; 4.4-5.3 kg; greater than 5.4 kg) only triglyceride and alpha-lipoprotein levels varied significantly with season. Significant interactions between diet, sex, weight, and season have also been observed. These observations can be used in planning future studies.

Influence of dietary fats and an oral contraceptive on plasma lipids, high density lipoproteins, gallstones, and atherosclerosis in african green monkeys.

Twenty-nine African green monkeys were fed diets for 22 months containing 0.79 mg cholesterol/kcal and 40% of calories as either safflower oil or butter with or without the addition of an estrogen- and progestin-containing oral contraceptive. Plasma cholesterol concentrations ranged from 199 to 250 mg/dl. Animals consuming the safflower oil diet had plasma cholesterol concentrations that averaged 61 mg/dl lower than those consuming butter. At least 72% of this lowering was due to a reduction in low density lipoproteins. Triglyceride concentrations were also slightly lower in animals consuming the safflower oil diet. The oral contraceptive lowered total plasma cholesterol concentrations in both diet groups by an average of 41 mg/dl with 54% of this lowering (22 mg/dl) due to a reduction in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. This effect occurred only during the 3 weeks while the contraceptive was being administered and was not apparent 1 week after stopping the drug. Animals consuming safflower oil had bile that was more lithogenic and had more gallstones than did those consuming butter. Addition of the oral contraceptive caused a slight increase in bile lithogenicity, but this increase was not statistically significant. There was no significant interaction between the oral contraceptive and either of the diets to exacerbate cholelithiasis. At the plasma cholesterol concentrations achieved only minimal amounts of atherosclerosis developed and there were no indications of differences due to diet or oral contraceptive in the extent of atherosclerosis.

Lipids, lipoproteins, and endocrine profiles during pregnancy in the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops).

In an attempt to establish relationships between the endocrine and lipid metabolism during pregnancy, the changes in total plasma cholesterol (TPC) and lipoprotein cholesterol that occur during pregnancy in the African green monkey were investigated longitudinally in ten females in relation to the changes in progesterone, estradiol, and fasting insulin concentrations. Respective means for TPC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plus very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol were 343 +/- 35, 108 +/- 9, and 235 +/- 36 mg/dL prior to the estimated date of conception in ten females fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet. The concentration of these lipids fell to 225 +/- 31, 54 +/- 4, and 168 +/- 29 mg/dL for TPC (P less than 0.001), HDL cholesterol (P less than 0.001), and LDL + VLDL cholesterol (P less than 0.001), respectively, by midpregnancy (84 days). Progesterone concentrations increased during the first 60 days of pregnancy and were negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol concentrations (r = -0.57, P less than 0.02). After reaching their highest mean value, progesterone concentrations then plateaued at lower concentrations until parturition. The decrease in progesterone concentrations was associated with an initial rise in estradiol concentrations, which reached their highest concentrations in late pregnancy and were inversely correlated with HDL-cholesterol concentrations (r = -.32, P less than 0.01). Although glucose concentrations remained steady during gestation, insulin concentrations were elevated compared to postpartum concentrations (P less than 0.05) suggesting that insulin resistance occurred during the pregnancy in this nonhuman primate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Phenylacetic acid production in dominant and non-dominant vervet monkeys.

Free and conjugated plasma phenylacetic acid concentrations were significantly higher in dominant male vervet monkeys than in non-dominant males living in stable social groups. These findings may be connected with an earlier observation that plasma from aggressive human psychopaths contains higher concentrations of phenylacetic acid than non-aggressive controls; whether they reflect an increased production of phenylethylamine is still unknown.

Vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) whole blood serotonin level is determined by platelet uptake sites.

Whole blood serotonin levels in adult male vervet monkeys living in social groups are sensitive to the animals' social environment. The mechanisms that translate different behavioral and environmental cues into altered whole blood serotonin levels are unknown. In this study, we have measured platelet number, size, serotonin content, and serotonin uptake, as well as the serum concentrations of tryptophan, Mg+2 and Ca+2. Results showed that whole blood serotonin levels, platelet serotonin content, and the serotonin uptake parameter Vmax were stable within animals on repeated sampling. The whole blood serotonin level was highly positively associated with platelet serotonin content, and the platelet serotonin content was highly positively associated with Vmax. These findings suggested that whole blood serotonin levels were a function of the number of platelet uptake sites.

Phylogenetic variability of serum lipids and lipoproteins in non-human primates fed diets with different contents of dietary cholesterol.

The response of serum lipids and lipoproteins to different levels of dietary cholesterol (0.05% to 1.5% w/w) was measured in six nonhuman primate species. Relative response of serum cholesterol in different species, measured in terms of response, index, varied with dietary cholesterol concentration. The overall response for the different diets allowed ranking of the species as follows: Squirrel is greater than green is greater then spider is approximately thesus is approximately patas is greater than chimpanzee The serum cholesterol response was reflected not only in an increase in beta + pre-beta-lipoprotein cholesterol but also in alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol, with significant differences among species in the amount of cholesterol transported in the lipoprotein classes.

Variations in the blood clotting time and lipid patterns of the Nigerian monkey, Cercopithecus aethiops tantalus, during captivity.

The blood clotting time and serum lipid values of newly-captured Nigerian monkeys were determined during the period of adaptation. Large fluctuations in serum free and total cholesterol and phospholipid values were observed throughout the 12-week period of investigation. The variations in blood clotting time were not significant (p greater than 0.05). These wide variations in lipid values suggest the need for caution in interpreting data from newly-captured subhuman primates.

Normal values for some whole blood and serum components of grivet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops).

Normal values for a number of blood components of grivet monkeys are reported. Haematological data and values for glucose, cholesterol and urea are similar to those of rhesus monkeys. Activities of alkaline phosphatase (1526 U/l), glutamine oxaloacetate transaminase (30.9 U/l), glutamine pyruvate transaminase (13.7 U/l), lactate dehydrogenase (629 U/l), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (175 U/l), creatine phosphokinase (227 U/l), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (38.7 U/l) and sorbitol dehydrogenase (14.2 U/l), and levels of lysozyme (178 mg/dl), zinc (162 microgram/dl), copper (81.3 microgram/dl) and iron (296.5 microgram/dl) have not previously been reported for this animal. Values for serum amino acids, proteins, electrolytes, triglycerides and creatinine are compared with those of other primates.

Short-term effects of aflatoxin B1 on serum lipids in subhuman primates.

Aflatoxin B1 significantly depressed serum lipid levels in specimens of Cercopithecus aethiops, Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus patas and Papio anubis. Serum cholesterol, total phospholipids and total lipids were not affected to the same extent.

Effects of ketamine anaesthesia, stress and repeated bleeding on the haematology of vervet monkeys.

Haematology values are presented for the vervet monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops), and the relative effects of high dose ketamine anaesthesia, stress of capture and repeated bleedings assessed. Anaesthesia resulted in decreased WBC and RBC values, attributed to depression of cardiovascular function. These effects were the reverse of those of alarm and strenuous exercise (leukocytosis and polycythaemia) during capture. Stress resulted in relatively high white and low red blood cell counts. Opposing effects of stress and anaesthesia led to comparable haematological values for trained, non-anaesthetized vervets and stressed, anaesthetized vervets. Effects of repeated bleedings were opposite in anaesthetized and non-anaesthetized animals. These effects, however, along with those of ketamine anaesthesia and stress, were relatively insignificant compared with the wide variation in haematological values found among individuals. The biological importance of these effects thus appeared to be slight. The concept of 'normal values' is discussed.

[Isolation of adeno-associated virus type 4 from a culture of green monkey kidney cells]. / Vydelenie adenoassotsiirovannogo virusa tipa 4 iz kul'tury kletok pochek zelenykh martyshek.

In the process of biological control of uninfected green monkey kidney (GMK) cell cultures a thermostable hemagglutinating agent designated No. 5056 was isolated alongside with adenovirus-SV. By its antigenic properties the 5056 strain was identified as adeno-associated virus type 4 (AAV-4). In control of 574 specimens of GMK culture batches, 40 AAV-4 strains were isolated in the presence of a helper adenovirus. Some biological properties of the isolates and their resistance to certain physical and chemical treatments were studied. Two isolates of the satellite virus were examined in the electron microscope. A correlation between the rate of AAV-4 isolation from GMK cultures and the presence of complement-fixing antibody to AAV-4 in monkey sera was observed.

Human-type A-B-O blood group antigens of Ethiopian vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in the wild.

Human type A-B-O blood group antigens were tested in a local population of Ethiopian vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). One animal was of group AB, the others were A. This represents a lower rate of polymorphism at this locus than has been observed among South African populations of the same species.

Serum aminopeptidases in pregnant vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops).

Two distinctive aminopeptidase isozymes have been identified in the serum of the vervet monkey. The L-methionine-sensitive cytosol aminopeptidase (AP; E.C. 3.4.11.1) is present in all samples, while the cystyl aminopeptidase (CAP; E.C. 3.4.11.3) isozyme, which is resistant to inhibition by 0.1 M L-methionine, is found only in the serum of pregnant females. The pregnancy-specific CAP isozyme appears in the serum between the fifth and the eleventh weeks of a nearly 22-week pregnancy. The overall aminopeptidase activity and the activity of the L-methionine-insensitive isozymes alone are both significantly greater in the serum of pregnant females than in nonpregnant females. Consequently, the presence of the cystyl aminopeptidase isozyme in the serum is a useful diagnostic indicator of pregnancy in the vervet monkey.

[Cell kinetics and chromosome radiosensitivity of lymphocytes from 4 Cercopithecus species]. / Cinétique cellulaire et radiosensibilité chromosomique des lymphocytes de quatre espèces de cercopithèques.

The harlequin-staining technique has been used to study the cell kinetics and the radiosensitivity of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes from Cercopithecus nictitans. C. aethiops var. cynosorus, C. irus, and C. ascanius. At 48 hours, the fixation time normally used for human lymphocytes, a large heterogeneity appears between the four species, with respect to the incidence of cells in first, second or third mitoses. If analysis of lymphocytes is restricted to Ml dividing cells, the yield of radiation-induced chromosome aberrations does not differ significantly from the incidence observed in irradiated human lymphocytes.

Plasma cortisol response to feeding in African green vervets.

The timing of a single daily meal of monkey chow in African green vervets exerts a synchronizing influence on plasma cortisol concentrations with an initial increase after feeding followed by a decrease to minimal levels five hours after feeding.