[Preliminary Experimental Study of Establishing a Lung Development Model with Specific Pathogen Free Preterm Pigs]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Developmental Biology
• Animal Models

Background:

• Establishing reliable animal models is crucial for studying lung development.
• Preterm models often require interventions, complicating research on natural development.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the optimal gestational timing for cesarean section to create a specific pathogen-free (SPF) preterm Bama minipig model.
• Establish a model for lung development research without medical interventions like hyperoxia or ventilation.

Main Methods:

• Cesarean sections were performed on SPF Bama sows at various gestational days (GD 98, 101, 104, 107, 113).
• Piglet viability, general data, and lung histology (H&E staining) were assessed.
• Optimal timing was determined based on survival rates and lung development indicators.

Main Results:

• Piglets delivered at GD104 showed a 33.33% survival rate, with improved lung expansion and alveolar development.
• Piglets from GD107 and GD113 survived completely, with lungs nearing full-term development.
• Piglets from GD98 and GD101 did not survive, though lungs appeared physically developed.

Conclusions:

• Specific pathogen-free (SPF) preterm piglets delivered at gestational day 104 provide a viable model for studying lung development.
• This model can be established without the need for specific pathogen exposure or medical interventions.
• GD104 represents a critical window for creating preterm piglet models for lung development research.