Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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In the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine Faculty of Physics of Novosibirsk State University A CT scan of minipigs was conducted for the first time. This study was conducted last week as part of a scientific collaboration between the Novosibirsk State University Laboratory of Animal Health, Physics, and scientists from the E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center of the Russian Ministry of Health. Two Minisibs pigs, bred at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, were used as animal models. Each animal weighed 80 kg and was two years old. The study lasted approximately one hour per animal. Only one area of the body—the chest—was scanned, as the scientists needed to obtain high-quality 3D images of heart and lung sections. The minipigs were anesthetized during the procedures. The study will continue next year.
— Today, specialists from the National Medical Research Center named after Academician E.N. Meshalkina, together with NSU scientists, is conducting multislice computed tomography of the heart with contrast as part of their scientific activities. Our goal is to identify the features of the anatomical structure of the heart in two individuals of mini-pigs. The results of computed tomography will complement our electrophysiological study of the heart, which will allow us to obtain a complete electro-anatomical picture of the heart of these animals, on the basis of which in the future we will be able to conduct research aimed at the use of cellular technologies. The goal of today’s collaborative research is to determine the exact anatomical structure of each animal’s heart. Previously, we could only obtain information about the electrophysiological structure of the heart of animals, which did not provide an idea of the topographic distribution of its sections in each individual animal. However, in our experience, even in individuals from the same drainage, the structure and size of the heart and its chambers are different. Thanks to the technical capabilities of LNAIM NSU, we can take advantage of the unique opportunity to conduct a multispiral computed tomographic study, and then, on the basis of our own experimental biological clinic, do electrophysiological mapping of the heart and obtain a comprehensive electroanatomical map for each animal. Thus, for each animal model studied, we will have a topographical and electroanatomical picture of the heart. In the next step, we will combine them to determine exactly where the pacemakers of the heart are located in relation to the precise topographic anatomy of each animal. Such studies can be carried out in large scientific centers – for example, at Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov or at Sechenov University. This is the first time such a study has been carried out beyond the Urals, said a leading researcher at the Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Morphology of the Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center named after. Academician E.N. Meshalkin” of the Ministry of Health of Russia David Sergeevichev.
The cardiac pacemaker is a section of the heart muscle (the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes) that generates electrical impulses, setting the heart rate and rhythm. It is a natural "generator" that ensures the coordinated functioning of all parts of the heart.
The research is being conducted to develop a biologically derived cardiac pacemaker. Researchers at the E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center of the Russian Ministry of Health are conducting this research under an interdisciplinary grant from the Russian Science Foundation. Comprehensive research is required to obtain additional information on the electroanatomical topographic structure of the heart, so that during experiments, scientists can accurately position the pacemaker in areas of the heart where its activity can be recorded.
"Mini-sibs are an ideal animal model for two reasons. First, their weight and height are very similar to humans. As adults, they reach an average weight of 70 kg, with some individuals reaching 100-130 kg, but never exceeding this weight. Second, the anatomical structure of these animals' hearts is quite similar to that of humans, and their electrical structure is almost identical to that of humans. Therefore, in terms of the applicability of experimental research results, they are an excellent model for translating animal experiments into human clinical practice," explained David Sergeevich.
This isn't the first time NSU LYAIM PhD specialists have performed CT scans on such large animals. As part of a project for preclinical trials of neutron capture therapy for cancer, they conducted similar studies on large-breed dogs, including some weighing approximately 60 kg. However, the anatomical structure of mini-pigs differs significantly from that of dogs, so the scientists had to practice positioning the animals on the CT table.
"The CT scan went quite quickly, as we were working with only one area—the chest—and specifically scanning the heart and blood vessels. Due to the animals' large body sizes, we had to adjust the settings and create new protocols, but this didn't present any difficulties. All scanning phases were followed. We didn't encounter any anticipated complications, except for one—the animals' heavy weight. It was quite challenging to lift them onto the scanner table and secure them in the correct position. We had to first lay a blanket over the table and securely fasten the animals with straps to achieve perfect balance and symmetry. However, we gained experience working with this type of animal model, which will be useful in the future. We've previously developed skills working with a variety of animals—we've scanned not only cats, dogs, rabbits, and lab rats, but also meerkats, ferrets, and even hedgehogs," said Ulyana Krechetova, CT operator, veterinarian, and employee of the Laboratory of Animal Health and Physical Medicine at NSU.
The minipigs were transported to the NSU Laboratory of Experimental Biology and Medicine's tomography center under anesthesia under the supervision of Elena Kuznetsova, Head of the Experimental Biology Clinic at the Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine. She noted that transporting the minipigs was straightforward due to the close proximity of both institutions. The animals were transferred quickly, so the anesthetic stress on their bodies was minimal.
"We use a modern anesthetic, the same one used in all veterinary clinics, at the same dosages calculated per kilogram of body weight. We calculated the drug's effect for two hours. One hour was spent preparing the animals for the procedures and transporting them. Another hour was required for the CT scan and the return trip. Working with mini-pigs in experiments is comfortable. They tolerate anesthesia well, show no allergic reactions to the medications, and respond well to the contrast agent administered before the CT scan. They also easily enter and exit anesthesia. Today, everything went as planned, without any problems. We are very pleased that NSU now has the only CT scanner licensed for scientific work and animal studies. This opens up great opportunities for our scientists, especially when it's important to obtain scanned images of the organs and systems of the animals involved in the research, before and after the experiments, for comparison," said Elena Kuznetsova.
Collaboration between the two research organizations will continue next year. A series of CT scans on minipigs using the already established system is planned.
— Scientists at the E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center frequently use these objects for research purposes, studying the cardiovascular system and practicing surgical techniques. These areas of activity are of interest to us as well. Therefore, we are interested in implementing joint projects in reconstructive medicine and cardiac surgery using new materials that are being tested specifically on these animal models. Another point of mutual interest for our organizations is that the technique of vascular tomography and the processing of the results obtained during our research have certain specific characteristics and differ from conventional software scans or reconstructions. Using this animal model will help us more deeply and, most importantly, more thoroughly master vascular bed research, which we then plan to apply to other animal species. Collaboration with scientists at the E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center Meshalkin is of great scientific interest to us, as our preclinical work closely intersects with theirs, and we are very pleased to begin this joint research," said Vladimir Kanygin, Head of the NSU Laboratory of Experimental Molecular Biology and Physics.
Histological studies of the cardiac muscle tissue of mini-pigs may also yield interesting results for scientists.
"The myocardium of mini-pigs is anatomically very similar to that of humans, so the transplant material was initially taken from these animal models. Our laboratory will be able to histologically assess myocardial changes following various treatments, including medications. Our institute specializes in myocardial research, and has authored numerous scientific papers on this topic. In this case, my task will be to conduct an initial assessment of such morphological compensatory changes in samples taken following electroanatomical studies," explained Nikolai Kanygin, a junior researcher at the Institute of Molecular Pathology and Pathomorphology (FRC FTM).
That same day, staff from the Novosibirsk State University Faculty of Animal Science and Physical Medicine conducted the first CT scan of a domestic fox. The animal, a 10-year-old, 6 kg female named Zlata, was referred to a laboratory at a Novosibirsk clinic at the request of its owner. This unusual patient tolerated the anesthesia well, and no serious pathologies were detected during the examination. The fox captivated the scientists with her friendliness and beauty. They noted that working with foxes is virtually no different from working with dogs, with the exception of minor details.
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