Abstract
Some investigators do not consider smaller primates a reasonable model for chronic problems of VLBW infants by because of mechanical difficulties in life support. We evaluated the premature rhesus monkey as a feasible model of long term complications of prematurity.
We delivered, by hysterotomy, three M. Mulatta primates at 74-87% of gestation. Weights ranged from 313-467 gms. Two infants had radiograpahic evidence of HMD. All animals had tracheal intubation immediately after delivery and required continuous medical support until resolution of their lung disease, which had occured in 2 animals by day 5. The infants were ventilated with a Baby Bird ventilator, and temperature was maintained under a radiant warmer. Periodic sampling was done through an umbilical artery catheter for blood gas, hematology, and chemistry values. Blood was replaced from an adult rhesus donor. Infant monkeys required similar ventilator management to VLBW human infants. Except for increased glucose requirements, metabolic needs appeared similar to those of human infants, as were hematologic and serum chemical values. During the first four days of management, we successfully assessed auditory evoked potentials during bilirubin infusion, pulmonary macrophage function, and cord blood neutrophil function. Thus, the premature rhesus monkey appears to be a feasible and useful homologue for a variety of postnatal problems of VLBW infants.
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Shoemaker, C., Goetzman, B. & Anderson, J. MACACA MULATTA AS AN HOMOLOGOUS MODEL FOR CHRONIC PROBLEMS OF PREMATURITY. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 346 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01521
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01521