Birth and prematurity influence intestinal function in the newborn pig

Area of Science:

• Perinatal physiology
• Neonatal gastrointestinal development
• Animal models in developmental biology

Background:

• Intestinal function undergoes significant development during the perinatal period.
• Delivery circumstances, including gestational age and mode, may influence neonatal intestinal maturation.
• Understanding these influences is crucial for neonatal health and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gestational age at delivery and mode of delivery on intestinal ion transport and protein absorption in newborn pigs.
• To test the hypothesis that prematurity and delivery method alter intestinal function.

Main Methods:

• Newborn pigs were delivered via caesarean section or vaginally after prostaglandin induction at different gestational ages (preterm: 106-108 days, term: 113-115 days).
• Intestinal ion transport was measured in vitro using Ussing chambers at birth.
• Absorption of intact proteins (immunoglobulin G, albumin) from colostrum was assessed in plasma at 2 days of age.

Main Results:

• Premature birth was associated with increased paracellular ion permeability.
• Term, vaginally-delivered pigs showed higher chloride uptake and net absorption compared to other groups.
• Preterm, caesarean-delivered pigs exhibited the lowest chloride secretion and absorbed the least immunoglobulin G and albumin from colostrum.

Conclusions:

• Gestational age and mode of delivery significantly affect intestinal ion and protein transport in neonatal pigs.
• Prematurity and birth influence ion and protein transport via independent mechanisms.
• Ion and protein absorption pathways in the neonatal pig intestine are not closely associated.