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[Model of a miniature pig catheterized for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of anti-infective agents]
J Salmon1, D Levêque, J D Peter
1Institut de Bactériologie - Laboratoire de Pharmacocinétique, Strasbourg, France.
Abstract:
The miniature pig exhibits physiological and anatomical similarities to man. In addition, its reduced size and its docility make it appropriate for laboratory use. Curiously, this model remains seldom used in experimental pharmacokinetics. We present here in a chronic model of catheterized micropig allowing long term investigations of antiinfective agents. We work with Yucatan adult female micropigs weighing between 20 and 40kg. A catheter (60 cm x 2 mm) is placed in the external jugular vein under general anaesthesia and exits in the midline dorsal neck. The catheter is flushed every two days with heparinized saline to retain its potency. At the time of kinetic studies, the antiinfective agent is injected in an ear vein. Blood samples are obtained using the jugular catheter. The mean time of viability of the device is 13 weeks (SD: 10 weeks). Thrombosis was the main cause of arrest of the model. In conclusion, this chronic model of catheterized micropig is suitable for long term pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations of antiinfective agents.
Insights
This study introduces a chronic catheterized micropig model for long-term pharmacokinetic investigations of anti-infective agents. The model allows for extended drug studies in a relevant animal model, overcoming previous limitations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Miniature pigs share physiological and anatomical similarities with humans, making them valuable research models.
- Despite their suitability, miniature pigs are underutilized in experimental pharmacokinetic studies.
- A need exists for reliable, long-term animal models for drug investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a chronic catheterized micropig model for long-term pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations.
- To assess the feasibility and limitations of using catheterized micropigs for anti-infective agent studies.
- To establish a reproducible method for chronic drug administration and blood sampling in micropigs.
Main Methods:
- Yucatan adult female micropigs (20-40kg) were utilized in a chronic model.
- A jugular vein catheter was surgically implanted for long-term access.
- Anti-infective agents were administered via ear vein, with blood samples collected through the jugular catheter.
Main Results:
- The chronic catheterized micropig model demonstrated a mean viability of 13 weeks (SD: 10 weeks).
- Thrombosis was identified as the primary factor limiting the model's duration.
- The model successfully facilitated pharmacokinetic studies of anti-infective agents.
Conclusions:
- The chronic catheterized micropig model is suitable for extended pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations of anti-infective agents.
- This model offers a valuable tool for preclinical drug development, particularly for anti-infectives.
- Further refinement could address thrombosis to enhance model longevity.