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Applied veterinary morphology
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Members
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Main topics
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Research on non-rodent animal species i.c. the pig, can significantly contribute to the unraveling of the etiopathogenesis of certain human pathological conditions. In addition, research results will provide an insight into the equivalent veterinary disorders. Approximately 16% of the newborn piglets and ± 5% of the children suffer from intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR). In both species, IUGR is associated with an increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our research group aims to unravel the effect of IUGR and of feed compounds on the development of the gastrointestinal tract via in vivo and in vitro assays. Moreover, such a better understanding of the developmental changes within animal ((mini)pig and rodent, zebrafish) models, will assist in the interpretation of preclinical data. To support the risk assessment of drugs in children, preclinical studies in juvenile animals may be required. Knowledge on the ontogeny of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes is important in understanding and predicting possible differences in drug exposure between youngsters and adults.
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Website
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Projects
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Show the projects of this research team - Effect of birth weight, age and milk composition on the development of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue in the neonatal piglet 01/02/2013 - 31/12/2013
| Abstract | Introducing hyperprolific hybrid sows in pork production has resulted in large litters that contain up to 20% low birth weight (LBW) piglets. As these piglets are more susceptible to disease than normal birth weight (NBW) piglets, the litter is often weaned early and subsequently fed with formulated milk (formula). Although this strategy allows LBW piglets to catch up growth, their morbidity and mortality do not decrease. This could be due to the fact that formula is low in bioactive molecules (e.g. growth factors, hormones and cytokines), necessary for the development of the immune system. The proposed research project will determine the influences of birth weight, age and milk composition on the development of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) of the neonatal piglet. To this purpose, LBW and NBW piglets will be pre-weaned at the age of 3 days, and subsequently be fed ad libitum for 7 or 25 days with either formula or formula supplemented with a whey fraction. Control animals suckle the sow. After euthanasia of the animals at day 10 or 28, samples of the ileum will be processed for quantitative, stereological analysis of various immune cell populations. The obtained results will be valuable in gaining insight into the development of the GALT of the neonatal piglet. This is a prerequisite for further research on vaccination strategies and feeding regimens to obtain immunocompetent piglets that are less susceptible to disease. | | Duration | 01/02/2013 - 31/12/2013 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Ontogeny of CYPs and drug transporters in the gastrointestinal tract of zebrafish. 16/09/2012 - 15/07/2015
| Abstract | This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand EU. UA provides EU research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. | | Duration | 16/09/2012 - 15/07/2015 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Ontogeny of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in the minipig: a genomic approach 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012
| Abstract | Drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes play a pivotal role in the pharmacokinetics of most drugs. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug efflux transporters and cytochrome P450 isoenzymes (CYP) are the best known of these two groups, respectively, but numerous other subgroups are involved in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs. The presence and activity of these systems in hepatocytes and enterocytes influence oral bioavailability and as such they may determine the clinical efficacy but also the toxicity of orally ingested drugs. Although many of these pharmaceuticals are also used in (very young) children and differences in oral bioavailability are common compared to adults, studies on the ontogeny of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes are scarce. This information is also pivotal in juvenile animals as, from a safety perspective, toxicity studies in one or more species may be required prior to the start of clinical trials in children. Knowledge on the ontogeny of these enzymes and transporters in different organ systems is building up in the rat, but in non-rodent species data are lacking. As the minipig is the most commonly used non-rodent species in juvenile toxicity studies besides the dog, information on the ontogeny of drug efflux transporters and metabolizing enzymes is pivotal in the interpretation of these studies. Therefore, the aim of this project is to verify the gene expression levels of different drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in the liver and small intestine of fetal, neonatal, suckling and weanling minipigs in order to cover a pediatric population of < 2 years of age. | | Duration | 01/01/2012 - 31/12/2012 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Optimisation of the redox status for improved intestinal health in intra-uterine growth-retarded pigs. 01/10/2011 - 30/09/2015
| Abstract | This project represents a research agreement between the UA and on the onther hand IWT. UA provides IWT research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. | | Duration | 01/10/2011 - 30/09/2015 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- How plastic is the enteric nervous system in IUGR piglets? 01/08/2010 - 31/05/2011
| Abstract | Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) impairs gut growth. This study examines the relation between IUGR and a possibly compromised enteric nervous system. The latter could contribute to the lower growth rates observed in IUGR. | | Duration | 01/08/2010 - 31/05/2011 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Neuropathy and neuroplasticity of the enteric nervous system playing a part in the ethiopathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis in the preterm piglet and neonatal rat. 01/07/2009 - 31/12/2013
| Abstract | Approximately 10% of the low birth weight infants develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Symptoms of NEC such as abnormal intestinal motility, permeability and blood flow can be linked to a neuropathy of the enteric nervous system (ENS). In the preterm piglet and neonatal rat, in vivo and in vitro experiments will be used to challenge the hypothesis that a neuropathy of the ENS plays a role in the ethiopathogenesis of NEC. | | Duration | 01/07/2009 - 31/12/2013 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Supplementing the immunoglobulin-free fraction of bovine colostral whey to the suckling piglet: effect on growth performances, intestinal physiology and morphology. 01/05/2009 - 30/04/2013
| Abstract | Optimizing growth and health during the suckling period of piglets with impaired growth is an economic challenge and relevant for improving animal welfare. This projects investigates which subfractions of immunoglobulin-free bovine colostral whey could promote growth and health in suckling piglets by studying key-structures and functions in the small intestine both in vivo and in vitro at the macro- (nutritional and growth effects) and micro-level (effects on intestinal morphology and physiological parameters). | | Duration | 01/05/2009 - 30/04/2013 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Supplementing the immunoglobulin-free fraction of bovine colostral whey to the suckling piglet: impact on growth performances, intestinal physiology and morphology. 01/01/2008 - 31/12/2008
| Abstract | Optimizing growth and health during the suckling period of piglets with impaired growth is an economic and ethical challenge.
This projects investigates the immunoglobulin-free fraction of bovine colostral whey and:
1/ describes the effects on macro- (nutritional and growth effects) and micro leve'' (relevant morphological and functional gastrointestinal parameters) of bio-active substances present.
2/ points out which parts can be held responsible for the observed effects.
3/ creates a method (model) for estimating the efficacy of food compounds regarding growth in function of the effects on intestinal physiology and morphology | | Duration | 01/01/2008 - 31/12/2008 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Role of growth factors, metalloproteïnases (MMP's), their inhibitors (TIMP's) and elastase in the regulation of the elastin gene activity and extracellular matrix in draught horses with chronic progressive lymphedema. 01/07/2007 - 31/12/2011
| Abstract | Chronic progressive lymphedema in draft horses, closely related to human primary lymphedema, is characterized by significant proliferation of extracellular matrix. The underlying pathogenesis is still unknown. This project will evaluate the role of growth factors, elastase, metalloproteïnases and their inhibitors in the regulation of the extracellular matrix and of the activity of the elastin gene in this disease. | | Duration | 01/07/2007 - 31/12/2011 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- In vivo and in vitro effects of colostrum and milk replacer on the enteric nervous system of the preterm piglet. 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2008
| Abstract | Feeding human milk, when compared with formulated milk, results in a better growth and maturation of the gastrointestinal tract. These beneficial effects can be attributed, at least in part to the unique composition of human milk. Topic of this study will be to investigate to what extent these beneficial effects are mediated by a modulation of the morphology of the enteric nervous system in an in vivo and in vitro pig model. | | Duration | 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2008 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Evaluation of seral anti-elastin antibodies in the diagnosis of chronically progressive lymphedema with draft horses. 01/01/2006 - 31/12/2007
| Abstract | No abstract found | | Duration | 01/01/2006 - 31/12/2007 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- Chronic Progressive Lymphedema in Draft Horses. 01/11/2005 - 01/11/2006
| Abstract | No abstract found | | Duration | 01/11/2005 - 01/11/2006 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- The premature piglet, an animal model to study the role of factors contributing to the development and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2007
| Abstract | Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) afflicts 7-10% of the premature babies and has a mortality rate of 20-40%. NEC occurs in premature piglets being fed a milk replacer. This project aims to describe the morphology and functional characteristics of this animal model. By manipulating the availability of arginine and NO, we aim to find clues for the cause of NEC. | | Duration | 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2007 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- The premature piglet, an animal model to study the role of factors contributing to the development and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis. 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2005
| Abstract | Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) afflicts 7-10% of the premature babies and has a mortality rate of 20-40%. NEC occurs in premature piglets being fed a milk replacer. This project aims to describe the morphology and functional characteristics of this animal model. By manipulating the availability of arginine and NO, we aim to find clues for the cause of NEC. | | Duration | 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2005 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- No title found 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2003
| Abstract | No abstract found | | Duration | 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2003 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- No title found 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2003
| Abstract | No abstract found | | Duration | 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2003 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- No title found 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2004
| Abstract | No abstract found | | Duration | 01/10/2003 - 31/12/2004 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
- No title found 01/10/2003 - 31/10/2004
| Abstract | No abstract found | | Duration | 01/10/2003 - 31/10/2004 | | Researcher(s) | | | Research Team(s) | |
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Expertise
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Show the team expertise- Van Ginneken Chris
- Histological techniques, anatomical preparations and raising neonatal/juvenile piglets – feed research.
| Technique: | - Histological techniques
- Image analysis
- Stereology | | Users: | The expertise of the group can be of use to other research entitities (drug development, nutrition, ... ) and industrial partners. Regarding the latter we envisage two types : feed companies (incl. Premix, feed additives) and pharmaceutical companies (incl minipig breeders). | | Keywords: | GASTROINTESTINAL MORPHOLOGY, GASTROINTESTINAL DEVELOPMENT, JUVENILE CARE, FOOD, DRUG TRANSPORT |
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