Micturition in Göttingen minipigs: first reference in vivo data for urological research and review of literature

Abstract

One possible symptom of overactive bladder (OAB) is urinary incontinence, which is generally considered to be an age-associated disease and which is rapidly increasing with demographic changes. Rodent models are commonly used for the investigation of lower urinary tract functions, although the use of these species has limitations in several translational aspects. In biomedical research and preclinical toxicology, Göttingen minipigs are used increasingly. But in urological research, only few data are available for Göttingen minipigs. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the first to provide reference data of micturition in female Göttingen minipigs. Micturition frequency and volumes were monitored and analyzed in five female Göttingen minipigs. Voided volume was 520 ± 383 mL (mean ± standard deviation of mean [SD]) and micturition frequency 6.17 ± 3.68 (mean ± SD). We also performed a review of the literature to compare our data with data from different species (humans, pigs, rats and mice). Our findings revealed that micturition volume and frequency of Göttingen minipigs are more comparable with that of humans, leading to the conclusion that Göttingen minipigs may be the better choice for translational research in different research fields, such as urology, neurology and nephrology, etc. The provision of in vivo reference values meets with the 3R concept of 'reduction, refinement and replacement' of laboratory animals, because they allow comprehensive statistical power calculations (reduction), planning of telemetric approaches (refinement), and generation of computer-based modulation for the development of intravesical drug delivery systems (replacement).

Efficacy of the porcine species in biomedical research

“…For example, pig skin is structurally similar to human skin regarding thickness and spacing between hair follicles, making it useful for studies on wound healing and burn lesions ( Sullivan et al, 2001 ). Pigs also share anatomical and physiological similarities with respect to the renal system, making them valuable for pharmacological studies ( Dalgaard, 2014 ; Huppertz et al, 2015 ). Pigs can also be useful in the study of nutrient absorption and intestinal transport, as well as the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases ( Sangild et al, 2014 ).…”

Expression of components of the urothelial cholinergic system in bladder and cultivated primary urothelial cells of the pig

“…However, data generated in rodents may not be fully comparable to the situation in humans, as the anatomy, physiology and the day-night-rhythm of these animals is somewhat different. Therefore, pigs were analysed in the present study as these show a more comparable bladder physiology to humans [4].…”

“…Especially pharmacological studies depend on the testing of drugs using porcine material [1–3]. This is justified on the basis that the porcine bladder closely resembles the human organ both anatomically and physiologically [4, 5]. Nevertheless, not much research on the molecular basics has as yet been conducted which justifies unlimited use and comparison of the porcine material [5].…”

Two differentially structured collagen scaffolds for potential urinary bladder augmentation: proof of concept study in a Göttingen minipig model

“…It is widely regarded as an excellent model for urological research because the micturition volume and voiding frequency closely resemble that of humans as we could demonstrate recently. [35]. Here, we present our first data about the OptiMaix 2D and 3D, naïve and seeded with autologous urothelial (UCs) and detrusor smooth muscle cells (SMCs).…”