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Gross and histological description of the epidermal membrane found on normal neonatal piglets

Lab Animal volume 44, pages 445–447 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

The structure and composition of fetal and placental tissues vary among different species of placental mammals. Some mammals, including camelids and pigs, possess an epidermal membrane during the fetal stage, called the epithelion, that is absent from other domestic mammals. Because neonatal piglets are a common animal model for many research techniques, it is important that researchers correctly identify this tissue and recognize its lack of pathological consequence when working with fetal and neonatal piglets. Here, the authors describe gross and histological examinations of the epithelion, comparing this tissue with other extra-fetal tissues and coatings.

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Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3: Photomicrograph of the piglet epithelion, fixed in formalin, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned at 5 μm.
Figure 4: Photomicrograph of the piglet amnion, fixed in formalin, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned at 5 μm.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

    Jennifer M. Pearson,  Mary C. Smith &  Donald H. Schlafer

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  1. Jennifer M. Pearson
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  2. Mary C. Smith
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  3. Donald H. Schlafer
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Correspondence to Jennifer M. Pearson.

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The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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Pearson, J., Smith, M. & Schlafer, D. Gross and histological description of the epidermal membrane found on normal neonatal piglets. Lab Anim 44, 445–447 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban.890

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