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Ex Vivo Intestinal Sacs to Assess Mucosal Permeability in Models of Gastrointestinal Disease
Published on: February 9, 2016
Technical note: pig model for studying nutrient assimilation by the intestine and colon
C L Kien1, A H Ailabouni, R D Murray
1Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine and Children's Hospital, Columbus 43205, USA.
Journal of Animal Science
|August 1, 1997
Summary
A new pig model allows stable isotope tracer studies of nutrient assimilation in the intestines and colon. This system supports constant enteral feeding and nutrient entry assessments.
Area of Science:
- Animal models
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Accurate assessment of nutrient assimilation is crucial for understanding digestive physiology.
- Existing models may not fully support chronic studies or precise nutrient tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a chronic catheterization system in pigs for stable isotope tracer studies.
- To enable detailed investigation of intestinal and colonic nutrient assimilation.
Main Methods:
- Surgical placement of specialized cannulas in the stomach and cecum of 10- to 25-day-old pigs.
- Utilizing stable isotope tracers to monitor nutrient digestion and absorption.
- Employing carotid arterial catheters for substrate isotopic enrichment measurements.
Main Results:
- The developed system allows for stable, long-term catheterization in young pigs.
- The model successfully facilitates tracer studies of nutrient assimilation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Cannulas enable controlled enteral feeding and assessment of nutrient entry into the terminal ileum.
Conclusions:
- This chronic catheterization system provides a robust model for studying nutrient assimilation in pigs.
- The model is suitable for investigating digestion, absorption, and fermentation processes using stable isotopes.

