Swine as models in biomedical research and toxicology testing

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Preclinical Research
• Toxicology

Background:

• Swine are increasingly utilized as nonrodent animal models in preclinical research.
• They offer advantages over dogs and monkeys for toxicologic testing.
• Pigs share significant anatomical and physiological similarities with humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the utility of swine in translational research and pharmaceutical development.
• To underscore the importance of understanding swine-specific anatomy and pathology.
• To provide context for the use of pigs in preclinical toxicologic studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on swine anatomy, physiology, and histopathology.
• Comparison of swine and human systems (cardiovascular, urinary, integumentary, digestive).
• Consideration of ethical and regulatory aspects of using swine in research.

Main Results:

• Swine exhibit considerable anatomic and physiologic parallels with humans.
• Familiarity with background lesions and species-specific anatomy is essential for accurate interpretation of xenobiotic effects.
• Ethical considerations and available background data support their use.

Conclusions:

• Pigs and minipigs are important and increasingly used animal models in pharmaceutical research.
• Investigator knowledge of swine-specific features is critical for successful preclinical studies.
• Swine offer a viable alternative for nonrodent testing in drug development.