gamma-Glutamyl-transferase (GGT) activity in the urine of clinically healthy domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Free-catch urine samples were collected from forty-one clinically normal domestic rabbits of various ages, breeds and both sexes. The Test γ GT Liquid-0018257640 was used for the in vitro quantitative determination of γ-Glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and reference intervals for γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, γ-GT, GGT) and GGT index (γ-glutamyl transferase to creatinine ratio) were established in fresh urine samples. Possible correlations of GGT and GGT index with sex and age were also explored. The stability of GGT after storage at +4°C for one week and -20°C for one month was investigated. The GGT and the GGT index reference intervals in fresh urine samples of healthy domestic rabbits were found to be 2.7–96.5 IU/l and 0.043–1.034, respectively. The urine GGT activity and the GGT index did not differ significantly between sexes in fresh urine samples. Nevertheless, a statistically significant difference was found in the GGT index with neutered status. Short-term storage at 4°C did not alter the enzyme stability, whereas, freezing did. Further investigations are needed to determine whether these parameters may be useful for early detection of renal tubular damage in rabbits, and in enabling better clinical management of affected animals.