Comparative analysis of heart functions in micropigs and conventional pigs using echocardiography and radiography

Young Lee Min, Hun Lee Sang, Gon Lee Seung, Hyun Park Soo, Yong Lee Chai, Hun Kim Kye, Ho Hwang Sun, Yub Lim Sang, Keun Ahn Young, Jae Han Ho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The production of miniature animals has been suggested for use in organ transplantation. At present, many of the studies about application of animal organs to human have been focused on pigs because of the number of advantages involved and due to their similarities with human. However, a physiological analysis of the organs to be transplanted has not yet been carried out. Therefore, this study analyzed whether or not there were physiological and morphological differences in the hearts of conventionally-reared pigs and micropigs. In this study, the morphological and physiological functions of the heart were examined using radiographic and echocardiographic equipment. In the lateral radiographic view, the heart of the micropig has a larger cardiac long axis : short axis ratio than does the conventional pig, but the difference in the vertebral heart score was not significant. In addition, there were no morphological differences on the X-ray fluoroscopic view. There were no differences in echocardiographic values, except for several values in the left ventricle traces. Overall, it is expected that the values measured in this study will contribute to understanding of the physiological characteristics of micropigs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7-14
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Veterinary Science
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007

Keywords

  • Conventional pig
  • Micropig
  • Physiological cardiac function

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparative analysis of heart functions in micropigs and conventional pigs using echocardiography and radiography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this