Abstract
Although the species has evolved at high altitudes, adult llamas have low hematocrits (small red cells plus a high number of erythrocytes). Hemaglobin concentrations, are similar to species that have evolved in lowlands. Preliminary data obtained from llama fetuses show a P50 lower than the human. Since there is no information regarding red cells characteristics during intrauterine life in llamas we studied red blood cell counts per mm, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in arterial samples of 25 pregnant llamas and their fetuses (purchased in Parinacota, 4400m above sea level), in the last half of gestation.
These red blood cell characteristics (high numbers of small sizes, high hemoglobin concentrations) may allow optimal blood flow and increased oxygen availability and extraction by the tissues in hypoxia. (Grant Fondecyt # 89-1080 - Chile).
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Sanhueza, E., Lathrop, M., Rabasa, C. et al. ONTOGENY OF THE RED CELL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE LLAMA FETUS. Pediatr Res 32, 737 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199212000-00026
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199212000-00026