The study was conducted in Zaria, Nigeria aimed at determining reference values of Platelet Counts, Mean Platelet Volume and the relationship between the Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume. These parameters were determined from 400 healthy elderly subjects comprising 210 males and 190 females. with a mean age of 69.4±7.9 years . 400 young adults were used as control comprising 200 males and females respectively with a mean age of 24.1 ±4.2years. Healthy elderly adults had a mean platelet count of 161.8±3.0 X 10 9/L and 214.5±3.1 X 10 9/L in males and females respectively. Sex and age differences in platelet counts were observed in the elderly subjects (P < 0.05). The mean (SEM) for mean platelet volume for healthy elderly males and females was 9.8±0.6 fl and 9.7±0.6 fl respectively. There was an inverse correlation between mean platelet volume and platelet counts (r = -0.286, P < 0.05). Platelet count was lower in healthy elderly subjects compared to the young adults control (P < 0.05). The use of separate reference value of platelet count in the elderly is advocated.

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Oxytocin is a hormone involved with adjustment of pregnancy, the process of delivery, breastfeeding, social recognition and bonding. This study aimed at determining the serum levels of oxytocin in pregnancy, during labour, and in the puerperium for Nigerian females in Zaria. It was a cross-sectional study of one hundred and twenty women aged 18 to 45 years from four hospitals in Zaria. The women were grouped into four groups comprising non-pregnant women (control), pregnant women (first, second, and third trimester), women in labour and in their first week after delivery. Questionnaires were administered to the women and their blood samples collected via venipuncture between 09.00 and 13.00 h. After centrifuging the blood samples, the sera were analyzed with human oxytocin ELISA kits at the

Erythropoietin (EPO), a 30kd glycoprotein is the primary hormonal regulator of erythropoiesis. erythropoietin promotes proliferation and differentiation of erythrocytes progenitor cells leading to production and release of mature reticulocytes expression and haemoglobin synthesis. Erythropoietin may also influence platelet production. This study examined the effort of combined oral contraceptive (COCs) on serum erythropoietin level in female wistar rat. 80 female wistar rats weight 180g -250g were grouped into four (10 treated and 10 control rats). 0.66g/body weighgt COCs (DUOFEM) was given determined using ELISA kit. There was no significant increased or decreased in serum EPO in the treated groups compared to control groups (p < 0.119). Key word: combined oral contraceptives, erythropoietin, and female wistar rats.