Work package 2.0

Hypothesis: Prematurity in pigs is associated with functional and structural neuro-development deficits and delays that reflect those observed in preterm infants.

Development of a preterm pig brain model

The pig is emerging as a valuable animal model of humans in biomedical research related to both neuroscience and to gastrointestinal diseases. Our group has >10 yrs experience with preterm pig models of gastrointestinal disorders such as necrotizing enterocolitis, which is associated with an increased risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment. Humans and pigs are thought to share similar brain growth and development patterns. A growing awareness of the important interplay between the early milk diet, the gut and the brain, and their possible interdependence during postnatal development, has prompted us to expand our research to investigations of brain maturation in the preterm pig model. This preterm pig model may be used to develop diet and feeding regimens that optimize brain development in the most vulnerable newborn infants.

Methods

A comparison of newborn caesarean-delivered preterm and term piglets that are initially raised in our neonatal intensive care unit and subsequently transferred to our pediatric unit for longer-term rearing. We assess brain function, structure and development at various levels and at all stages of postnatal development that are accessible to us.

Results

We will develop a preterm pig model with a high translational value that will be used in subsequent intervention studies. We expect this work to facilitate advancements in pediatric research within this field by providing a novel diet-sensitive model of brain development and maturation in weak newborns.