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A Piglet Model of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Published on: May 16, 2015
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Behavioral assessment of cognitive function using a translational neonatal piglet model
Ryan N Dilger1, Rodney W Johnson
1Department of Animal Sciences, Division of Nutritional Sciences, and Integrative Immunology and Behavior Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1207 W. Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|August 6, 2010
Summary
Neonatal piglets can learn and remember tasks in a novel maze. Immune activation in piglets causes temporary sickness and later cognitive impairments, impacting learning and memory.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Pigs are valuable models for human health research.
- Neonatal cognitive function in piglets remains understudied.
- A behavioral assay for piglet cognition is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop and validate a behavioral assay for assessing neonatal piglet learning and memory.
- Investigate the impact of peripheral immune activation on piglet cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal piglets were trained in an 8-arm radial maze using visual cues.
- A reversal learning task assessed working memory.
- Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) induced peripheral immune activation.
- Cognitive performance was evaluated post-immune challenge.
Main Results:
- Piglets demonstrated rapid learning and improved performance during reversal testing.
- Poly I:C induced acute sickness and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β).
- Post-sickness, poly I:C-treated piglets showed deficits in learning, memory, and spatial navigation.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal piglets possess the capacity for learning and memory tasks.
- Peripheral immune activation significantly alters cognitive processing in neonates.
- This study establishes a valuable behavioral assay for piglet cognitive research.
