Hematological and biochemical parameters during the early stages of n-nitrosodiethylamine- induced hepatocarcinogenesis in turkeys

Some haematological and biochemical parameters in turkeys, hatched from embryonated eggs inoculated with the proven hepatocarcinogen N-nitrosodiethylamine were studied. Histopathology confirmed the presence of clear-cell and basophilic foci of altered hepatocytes and hyperplasia of cholangiocytes. The application of the chemical carcinogen affected both haematological and biochemical parameters. The established conditions such as thrombocytopenia and increased levels of the major liver enzymes were associated with the process of malignancy. In addition, leukogram abnormalities (leukocytosis, lymphocytosis and neutropenia) as well as hypoproteinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and hypoglycemia were also observed.