Blood cell morphology of djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus)

Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) are increasingly used as a laboratory model, but published information on their blood cell morphology has not been available. The aim of this study was to describe the morphologic characteristics of peripheral blood cells of P. sungorus. Erythrocytes had an average diameter of 6.02 µm, ranging between 4 and 7.5 µm; thus they were smaller than those of other Cricetine (hamster) species. Polychromatic (immature) erythrocytes were relatively abundant, as is common in rodent species. The differential count of leukocytes was similar to that of the golden hamster. The percentage of neutrophils and monocytes was slightly higher than in the golden hamster, while that of lymphocytes was somewhat lower. Neutrophils ranged in size from10-12 µm, containing neutrophilic granules and well-defined nuclear lobes. Lymphocytes diameters were 9-12 µm. Small lymphocytes were the most abundant. Monocytes ranged in size from 10-16 µm, being the largest cells. Eosinophils varied in size from 10-14 µm, and displayed a ringed nucleus.