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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
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A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia
Published on: October 11, 2011
The piglet as an animal model for hypobaric hypoxia
J Stepanek1, D Klocke, G Malvin
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine
|May 7, 2002
Summary
Piglets show promise as a high-altitude disease model, exhibiting ataxia and tachypnea. However, normal organ histology suggests prolonged exposure is needed to observe pathological changes.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Animal Models
- High-Altitude Research
Background:
- High-altitude environments pose physiological challenges.
- Animal models are crucial for studying altitude-related human diseases.
- The piglet model's suitability for high-altitude research is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the piglet as a viable animal model for human high-altitude diseases.
- To investigate physiological and pathological responses of piglets to simulated high-altitude conditions.
Main Methods:
- Twelve piglets (4-10 weeks old) were exposed to simulated high altitude (0.5 atm) in a hypobaric chamber for 12-72 hours.
- Continuous monitoring, periodic decompression for care, control groups, and post-exposure necropsy with light and electron microscopy were employed.
Main Results:
- Clinical signs observed included ataxia, tachypnea with Cheyne-Stokes respiration, and lethargy.
- Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed normal organ tissues, particularly in the lungs and brain.
Conclusions:
- Piglets exhibit clinical signs consistent with altitude stress but show no significant organ pathology after short-term exposure.
- Prolonged, uninterrupted exposure and delayed euthanasia may be required to induce observable pathological changes, suggesting potential for the piglet model in future high-altitude disease research.
