Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
Dissecting the Non-human Primate Brain in Stereotaxic Space
Published on: July 16, 2009
Infant mortality: The role of the macaque as a model for human disease
Andrew G Hendrickx1, Alice F Tarantal1
1California Regional Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis.
Insights
Nonhuman primates, like macaques, are crucial animal models for understanding infant mortality causes, including birth defects and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Research using these models aids in developing preventive strategies and treatments for infant health.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Developmental Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Infant mortality is a significant concern, with major contributing factors including birth defects, hemoglobinopathies, prematurity, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these conditions is essential for developing effective interventions and preventive measures.
- Animal models are vital for studying complex biological processes and disease mechanisms that are difficult to investigate directly in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of nonhuman primate models, specifically macaques, in advancing the understanding of infant mortality.
- To review current research utilizing animal models for studying causes and mechanisms of infant mortality, including birth defects, prematurity, and SIDS.
- To emphasize the role of these models in guiding basic research, preventive strategies, and therapeutic development for infant health.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing nonhuman primates (macaques) as models to study malformation/functional deficit syndromes, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).
- Investigating the effects of nutritional deficiencies and retinoid teratogenicity in primate models.
- Evaluating the safety of diagnostic ultrasound and exploring prenatal cellular transplantation for inherited defects.
- Examining the role of growth factors, like epidermal growth factor, in managing long-term complications of prematurity.
- Focusing on understanding the mechanisms of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) through relevant animal models.
Main Results:
- Studies in macaques have provided critical information on malformation syndromes and teratogenicity, informing further research.
- Research has identified growth factors as important in the development of the gastrointestinal tract and lung, relevant to prematurity complications.
- Diagnostic ultrasound safety evaluations are ongoing to ensure safe clinical practices.
- Prenatal cellular transplantation shows promise for treating inherited defects in utero.
- Nonhuman primate models are instrumental in elucidating causes, mechanisms, and potential treatments for various infant mortality factors.
Conclusions:
- Nonhuman primates are indispensable models for investigating the causes and mechanisms of infant mortality, including birth defects, prematurity, and SIDS.
- Research utilizing these models has yielded critical insights into teratogenic effects, developmental processes, and potential therapeutic interventions.
- Continued use of nonhuman primate models is essential for advancing infant health research and reducing infant mortality rates.
Abstract:
Factors which have been identified as the leading causes of infant mortality include birth defects, hemoglobinopathies, prematurity, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In order to further our understanding of the specific causes of infant mortality and the mechanisms by which they occur, suitable animal models will be required. Studies with nonhuman primates (specifically the macaque) have addressed malformation/functional deficit syndromes such as those associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), nutritional deficiencies, and retinoid teratogenicity. These studies have provided critical information for further basic and preventive research. In addition, efforts to evaluate the safety of diagnostic ultrasound continue to aid in identifying safe methods for exposure. From a prenatal perspective, cellular transplantation has been shown to be a feasible method for treating individuals with inherited defects in utero, thereby avoiding postnatal transplantation and the associated risks. Longterm complications of prematurity have also been pursued with growth factors (i.e., epidermal growth factor) noted to play an important role in both pre- and postnatal development of the gastrointestinal tract and lung. As one of the most distressing causes of death in infancy, SIDS will require a concentrated effort to understand the basic mechanism(s) responsible for the characteristic respiratory complications. The nonhuman primate will continue to provide critical information as the model of choice for the human in determining the causes, mechanisms, and treatments for these significant causes of infant death. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
