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Premature guinea pigs: a new paradigm to investigate the late-effects of preterm birth

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 December 2014

M. Berry ,
C. Gray ,
K. Wright ,
R. Dyson  and
I. Wright
M. Berry*
Affiliation:
Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
C. Gray
Affiliation:
Centre for Translational Physiology, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
K. Wright
Affiliation:
Biomedical Research Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
R. Dyson
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine and IHMRI, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
I. Wright
Affiliation:
Department of Paediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine and IHMRI, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
*
*Address for correspondence: M. Berry, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Otago, Wellington South 6242, PO Box 7343, New Zealand. (Email max.berry@otago.ac.nz)
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Abstract

Preterm birth is common and the associated short-term morbidity well described. The adult-onset consequences of preterm birth are less clear, but cardiovascular and metabolic health may be adversely affected. Although large animal models of preterm birth addressing important short-term issues exist, long-term studies are hampered by significant logistical constraints. Current small animal models of prematurity require terminal caesarean section of the mother; both caesarean birth and early maternal care modify offspring adult cardio-metabolic function.

We describe a novel method for inducing preterm labour in guinea pigs. With support comparable to that received by moderately preterm human infants, preterm pups are viable. Growth trajectories between preterm and term-born pups differ significantly; between term equivalent age and weaning ex-preterm animals demonstrate increased weight and ponderal index.

We believe this novel paradigm will significantly improve our ability to investigate the cardio-metabolic sequelae of preterm birth throughout the life course and into the second generation.

Keywords

animal modelsdevelopmental origins of health and diseasepreterm birthtranslational biomedical research
Type
Brief Report
Information
Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , Volume 6 , Issue 2 , April 2015 , pp. 143 - 148
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Copyright
© Cambridge University Press and the International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease 2014 

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