[Hematological serological valves, and organ weight in adult Sprague-Dawley rats].

Sprague-Dawley rats are frequently used in experiments and their normal hematological, serologic and anatomical parameters are not easily available. The aim of this study was to measure these parameters in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats (12 males) whose weight ranged between 200 and 300 g, raised at the Instituto de Salud Pública in controlled environmental conditions and fed with pellets were studied. After a 24 h fast, animals were anesthetized with Droperidol and Ketamine, and after obtaining a cardiac blood sample, sacrificed by exsanguination. Most organs were withdrawn and weighed. Mean values for blood glucose, calcium, amylase, total proteins, cholesterol, AST, ALT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatases, electrolytes and complete blood count were determined. Heart, lung, pancreas, kidney and testicle mean weight was also calculated. Male and female rats had significant differences in packed red cell volume, white blood cell count and hemoglobin.