Cytometric blood phenotyping in free-living white-eyed parakeet (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

Fenotipagem citométrica do sangue de maritacas jovens de vida-livre (Psittacara leucophthalmus)

ABSTRACT:

This study aimed at performing cytometric phenotyping of the blood samples from free-living, young white-eyed parakeets (Psittacara leucophthalmus), stained with 3,3-dihexyloxacarbocyanine [DiOC₆(3)]. DiOC₆(3)-stained whole blood samples from 19 free-living, young white-eyed parakeets were analyzed by flow cytometry and cell types were distinguished by their typical fluorescence in blue laser channel (FL-1) and SSC (side scatter). It was possible to differentiate erythrocytes (58.3±13.6) from leukocytes (32.4±13.1) and some of the leucocyte subpopulations: lymphocytes/thrombocytes (29.7±7.7), monocytes (30.6±8.5), and granulocytes (5.9-26). However, lymphocytes and thrombocytes could not be sorted in the plots. Our study determined that the predominant population in white-eyed parakeet (P. leucophthalmus) was lymphocytes, thrombocytes, and monocytes in the leucocytes gates in comparison to the granulocyte population. The cytometry method and use of DiOC₆(3) stain was available for parakeets blood samples and can be studied and applied to other species of parrots.

INDEX TERMS:
White-eyed parakeet; Psittacara leucophthalmus; Psittaciformes; avian; flow cytometry; blood cell phenotyping; leukocytes; DiOC₆(3); wildlife animals