Analysis of reference interval and age-related changes in serum biochemistry and hematology in the specific pathogen free miniature pig

Abstract

We analyzed 72 items related to serum biochemistry and hematology in 85 specific pathogen-free (SPF) Seoul National University (SNU) miniature pigs aged 1- to 36-months which originated from a Minnesota miniature pig. Almost all examined items were similar between male and female pigs. However, some items such as Cr level, B/C ratio, C.R.F, LDH, LAP and T4 were significantly different between male and female pigs (P<0.05). Thirty four examined items showed age-related changes, and the significant changes were observed in animals less than six months old. The values for BUN, K, uric acid, Ca, Ca(++), and Pi were significantly higher in pigs younger than six months of age, which might reflect poor kidney function in young pigs. Additionally, TIBC, UIBC and RDW were significantly higher in young pigs, and RBC, Hb, HCT, MCHC and MCV were significantly lower in young pigs, thus indicating a similar physiology of iron deficiency anemia. These age-related specific phenotypes seemed to be normal, but it should be considered in the long-term experiment using the young pigs. In conclusion, in this study, we defined the normal reference intervals for SPF SNU miniature pigs, and we also determined that there are some physiological differences between the pig genders and ages. This study provides fundamental data for use in experiments involving SPF SNU miniature pigs.

Keywords: Hematology; miniature pig; serum biochemistry; specific pathogen free.

Figure 1

Indicators of kidney function. Levels of BUN, Ca⁺⁺, K Pi and UA were high in young pigs, indicating poor kidney function. Grey boxes indicate the normal value range for the SNU miniature pig. One-way ANOVAs with Tukey's post test were conducted using Graphpad Prizm ver. 5.0 (Graphpad software). ^"*", ^"**" and ^"***" indicate significant (0.01<P value< 0.05), very significant (0.01 < P value < 0.001), and extremely significant (P < 0.001), respectively.

Figure 2

Indicators of anemia. Levels of TIBC, UIBC and RDW were high in young pigs; however, levels of Hb, HCT, MHCH and MCV were low. These levels indicate iron deficiency anemia in young pigs. ^"***" indicate extremely significant (P< 0.001). Grey boxes indicate the normal value ranges for SNU miniature pigs.