Clinical chemistry tests for mice
Liver Panel
Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT)
Elevated levels of serum ALT are an indication of hepatocellular damage. This is
a leakage enzyme that represents alteration in cell membrane function.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
This is a leakage enzyme associated with cytosol and mitochondria with 59% of
the activity associate with the mitochondria. In addition to hepatocellular injury,
AST may also be elevated in cardiac muscle damage. Age associated increases
may be observed in some strains of mice.
Alkaline Phosphotase (ALKP)
This is a production enzyme that is elevated in cases with cholestasis. Elevations
are not typically observed with hepatocellular disease unless there is associated
cholestasis. Serum levels will be elevated in young mice due to osteoblastic
activity associated with rapid growth.
Renal function
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Waste product of nitrogen metabolism removed by the kidney. Elevated BUN
can occur with dehydration (pre-renal azotemia) or renal disease. In cases of
renal disease, BUN will not be elevated until 70-75% of renal function is lost.
Creatinine (CREAT)
End product of muscle metabolism excreted by the kidney. Serum increases in
creatinine are the same as BUN, dehydration and renal disease.
Lipids and Lipoproteins*
Cholesterol
Levels vary with age and mouse strain
Triglycerides
May be higher in higher in males and may decrease with age
*Levels can be affected by time pre or post prandial
Glucose and Carbohydrate Metabolism*
Glucose
Should be measure on fresh serum or via whole blood on a glucometer. Glucose
tolerance testing (GTT) can also be performed on mice.
GTT1 hour test- baseline glucose measurement the 60 minute measurement
following 2g/kg intraperitoneal injection
2 hour test- measure glucose at 0, 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes following
intraperitoneal injection of 3g/kg of glucose.
We can provide a glucometer upon request
Insulin
Insulin levels can be determined from serum.
*Levels can be affected by time pre or post prandial
Electrolytes
Sodium (Na+)
Potassium (K+)
Chloride (Cl-)
Phosphorus (PO4+)
Calcium (Ca+)