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Seasonal variation in haematological and biochemical variables in free-ranging subadult brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Sweden

Græsli, Anne Randi; Evans, Alina L.; Fahlman, Åsa; Bertelsen, Mads Frost; Blanc, Stéphane; Arnemo, Jon Martin
Journal article
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URI
http://hdl.handle.net/11250/2373579
Date
2015
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  • Artikkel - fagfellevurdert vitenskapelig / Articles - peer-reviewed [1252]
Original version
10.1186/s12917-015-0615-2
Abstract
Background: Free-ranging brown bears exhibit highly contrasting physiological states throughout the year.

They hibernate 6 months of the year, experiencing a decrease in body temperature, heart rate, respiratory

rate and metabolism. An increase in food consumption and the resulting weight gain (mostly through fat

storage) prior to hibernation are also part of the brown bear’s annual cycle. Due to these physiological changes,

haematological and biochemical variables vary dramatically throughout the year. Seasonal changes in 12

haematological and 34 biochemical variables were evaluated in blood samples collected from 40 free-ranging subadult

brown bears (22 females, 18 males) immobilised in Sweden in winter (February-March), spring (April-May), and

summer (June).

Results: Higher levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit and red blood cell count, and a lower white blood cell

count and mean cell volume was found during hibernation than in spring and summer. Lower values of the

enzymes; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AP), γ-glutamyl

transpeptidase (GGT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GD) and amylase, and increased values of β-hydroxybutyrate

(β-HBA) and blood lipids; triglycerides, cholesterol and free fatty acids, were present during hibernation

compared to spring and summer.

Conclusions: This study documents significant shifts in haematological and biochemical variables in samples

collected from brown bears anaesthetised in winter (February-March) compared to in spring and summer

(April-June), reflecting the lowered metabolic, renal and hepatic activity during hibernation. Lower values of

enzymes and higher values of blood lipids during hibernation, likely reflect a lipid-based metabolism.

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