Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Isolation, Proliferation and Differentiation of Rhesus Macaque Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Published on: May 26, 2021
Growth and developmental outcomes of three high-risk infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Amanda M Dettmer1, Lisa A Houser, Gerald C Ruppenthal
1Pittsburgh Development Center at Magee-Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Insights
High-risk infant rhesus macaques, born prematurely or with intrauterine growth restriction, showed no gross developmental delays. Specialized care is crucial for their survival and development, making them valuable models for human infants.
Area of Science:
- Primate research
- Developmental biology
- Neonatal care
Background:
- High-risk infants face increased medical and developmental complications.
- Limited data exists on high-risk infant outcomes in primate colonies.
- Rhesus macaques serve as a valuable model for human infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the early growth and development of high-risk infant rhesus macaques.
- To compare outcomes of high-risk infants with healthy controls.
- To evaluate the survival factors for high-risk neonates in a colony setting.
Main Methods:
- Three high-risk infant rhesus macaques (IUGR or premature) were monitored.
- Growth, neonatal reflexes, motor skills, cognition, and social behavior were assessed.
- Outcomes were compared to healthy, full-term controls.
- Neurological and cognitive assessments considered postnatal and gestational age.
Main Results:
- No gross developmental delays were observed in high-risk infants compared to controls.
- Growth, neonatal reflexes, motor skills, cognition, and social behavior were comparable.
- Survival was contingent upon intensive, individualized neonatal care, including a 24-hour nursery and tailored fluid protocols.
Conclusions:
- High-risk infant rhesus macaques can achieve normal early development with intensive care.
- These infants represent a viable model for studying high-risk human neonates.
- Specialized neonatal support is critical for the successful outcome of vulnerable infants.
Abstract:
Infants classified as "high risk" are born with a greater chance of developing medical complications at birth, and may have cognitive and other developmental complications later in life. Very few reports exist regarding the survival and outcome of such infants in primate colonies. Here we present early growth and developmental data on three high-risk infant rhesus macaques (one female and two males) that were born either with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR; born below the 1st birth weight percentile for gestational age) or extremely prematurely (at gestational days 128 and 140; mean full-term gestation=164 days). We compared the outcome of these infants with that of healthy controls born at term and found no gross developmental delays in these infants with respect to growth, neonatal reflex and motor skill development, early cognitive development, or social behavior. Neurological and cognitive assessments were compared in terms of both postnatal and gestational age. The survival of these infants was dependent on a 24-hr staffed nursery and a fluid protocol that catered to each high-risk infant's individual needs. When such measures are implemented, infants such as these have a good chance of survival and can serve as excellent models for high-risk human babies and their subsequent development.
