EFFECTS OF CROWDING (SPACE LIMITATION) ON PLASMA PROTEIN LEVELS

ABSTRACT

Crowding is defined as the coexistence of living organisms in an overly confined space. Increased population density can be achieved by either increasing the number of species living in the same area and/ or by decreasing their living space. Plasma contains a large number of both major and minor proteins that participate in regulation of blood volume, blood clotting and defense against infection. Studying the effect of crowding on plasma protein levels is important because it provide insights into the physiological responses of animals to overcrowded conditions. This study investigated the effects of crowding (space limitation) on levels of plasma protein in 25 adult Wistar Rats. The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (Group A, B, C, D, E). Group A served as the control group with a dimension of 42cm×30cm×24cm, while group B- E served as the test groups. Group B animals were placed in a cage having the same size and dimension as that of the control that is 42cm×30cm×24cm., Group C were placed in a cage that was ¾ the size of the control that is 31.5cm×22.5cm×24cm Group D animals were placed in a cage half the size of the control that is 30cm×21cm×24cm. and Group E animals were placed in a cage that is ¼ the size of the control that is 21cm×15cm×24cm.The animals lived in their various cages for a duration of 7 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained for measurement of plasma protein levels. Statistical analysis was done using graph pad prism version 8.0.1. Results were presented as Mean ± SEM. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of test and control values and a P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in albumin, globulin, and total protein levels when compared with the control. It was therefore concluded that crowding (space limitation) in wistar rats exposed for a period of seven weeks may not induce any major changes in plasma protein levels.