Fibrinogen, Relative Blood Viscosity and Haematocrit in the three trimesters of Pregnant Albino Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the changes in relative blood viscosity during pregnancy in Albino wistar rats. Twenty (20) female wistar rats were divided into two groups, control group (n=5) and pregnant group (n=15). The pregnant group was further subdivided into 1^st trimester group, 2^nd trimester group and 3^rd trimester group respectively, with five rats (n=5) in each group.. Female rats in their oestrous cycle were mated with fertile male rats over night; a closed vagina with the presence of sperms in the vagina smear was taken as day 1 of pregnancy. Blood was collected from the control group and the trimester group for the assessment of fibrinogen, relative blood viscosity and haematocrit. Results showed that Fibrinogen was significantly higher in the 3^rd trimester compared to the 1^st and 2^nd trimesters and the control. Relative blood viscosity was significantly higher in the 1^st trimester compared to the 2^nd, 3^rd trimesters and control. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in haematocrit value in the control and pregnant groups. Haematocrit showed a highly significant correlation (r=0.98; p<0.05) in the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy. Conclusively, blood viscosity is highest in the 1^st trimester, and starts to decrease as pregnancy advances.