Model of a miniature pig catheterized for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of anti-infective agents
Salmon, J.; Levêque, D.; Peter, J.D.; Cavalier, A.; Elkhaïli, H.; Salmon, Y.; Kaltenbach, G.; Monteil, H.; Jehl, F.
Pathologie-Biologie 44(5): 375-378
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-8114 PMID: 8758479 Document Number: 458149
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.