Neuropathic Pain model in Pigs
Preclinical rodent models largely contribute to our understanding of chronic neuropathic pain, however these animal models are limiting due to poor clinical translation. Since pigs share similarities with humans, such as skin innervation and neurological resemblance, MD Biosciences developed a pig model for chronic pain caused by surgically-induced peripheral neuritis (PNT) (Castel et al., 2016). In the model, 75% of animals exhibit mechanical and tactile allodynia by day 28 post surgery, demonstrating painful neuropathy. We also showed that positive controls inhibited hypersensitivity to von Frey filaments and feather stimuli, reversing spontaneous pain-related behavior in a dose-related manner.
Pig PNT Study Design
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Advantages of the PNT model in Pigs
We've discussed the benefits of the pig as a translational model. Specifically in the PNT model, programs benefit in the following ways:
- Reproducibility
- Mimics human condition
- Monitoring of PK/PD
- Routes and volumes of administration relevant to humans
- Understanding of safety/PD/PK using the same animals
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Common AssessmentsStudy design that includes clinical scores, behavioral assessments, as well as end-point analysis provides a robust data package that you can be confident in using to make key decisions in your development strategy.
- Withdrawal force
- Composite behavior score
- Tactile sensitivity
- Motor function
- Biomarker analysis
- histology
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Our Publications
We've developed and published the pig PNT model.
Peripheral Neuritis in Pigs: A Neuropathic Pain Model. (2016) Journal of Pain
Assessments
MD Biosciences incorporates a range of in vivo measures and endpoint assessments that provide a robust data package that enable researchers to make critical decisions.
Behavior
Pain behavior tests include dynamic weightbearing and Hargreaves to assess the distribution on each paw and sensitivity to heat.
Biomarkers
Evaluate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory biomarkers from CSF samples.
Histology
IHC and histological staining to evaluate inflammatory markers in the paw skin.
Scientific Data
In a study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of pain treatments in the pig PNT model. The graph shows the behavior score as a result of the nerve injury before and post treatment.
Review the complete dataset.
Other data obtained in this study were Von Frey, Open Field, Walking Distance and Skin Biomarkers for nerve analysis.
Pig Neuropathic Pain Datasheet
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