The pig as a model for premature infants - the importance of immunoglobulin supplementation for growth and development.

Preterm human neonates, contrary to preterm piglets, obtain immunoglobulins from their mothers via the placenta during intrauterine development. However, one should note that the majority of trans-placental transfer of immunoglobulins in humans takes place during the last trimester of pregnancy. It is also known that the feeding of limited amounts of colostrum or systemic infusion of small amounts of serum improves the survival of preterm and full-term piglets. Full-term piglets deprived of their mother's immunoglobulins exhibit strong apathy and develop watery diarrhoea, often resulting in death. The aim of the current study was to determine if provision of immunoglobulins using different approaches would be beneficial for survival outcomes. To reach the immunological sufficient level we infused immunoglobulins intravenously in amount mimicking the blood level in piglets fed with sow colostrum. Intravenous infusion of immunoglobulins in both preterm and full-term newborn piglets fully ensured their survival, growth and blood immunoglobulin G and protein levels similar to those observed in piglets fed colostrum. Piglets completely deprived of immunoglobulins exhibited significantly lower blood levels of immunoglobulins and protein compared to colostrum-fed animals. Piglets infused with only serum exhibited significantly lower blood immunoglobulin G level compared to those infused with immunoglobulins. In conclusion, based on the data obtained, we suggest that passive immune support provided by colostrum intake or early systemic infusion of Ig's in sufficient amounts is key to ensuring the general well-being of preterm and full-term new born piglets, used as an animal model for the human infant.

Diet-induced changes in brain structure and behavior in old gerbils.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Aging is associated with many physiological alterations such as changes in metabolism, food intake and brain dysfunction. Possible ways to correct age-related brain dysfunction using dietary treatments still remains undeveloped. The aim of our research was to investigate whether long-term dietary treatment with 2-oxoglutarate (2-OX), which is involved in many regulatory pathways, together with pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin (PLEM), which ensure appropriate digestion and absorption of nutrients, affects age-related changes in the brain morphology and cognitive function in old Mongolian gerbils. MATERIALS/METHODS: Experiment was comprised of two separate studies. Samples of the hippocampus were obtained from male Mongolian gerbils of different ages (n=63 in the first study, n=74 in the second study). Immunohistochemistry was used for visualization of the nestin/NeuN-positive neuronal progenitors. Changes in amount of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAMs) were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For assessment of cognitive and sensorimotor functions, the T-maze spontaneous alternation test and the adhesive removal test (ART) were used. The ultrastructure of the CA1 hippocampal area was visualized using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Long-term treatment with 2-OX+PLEM led to a significantly increased amount of nestin/NeuN-positive cells in the CA1 hippocampal area and positive changes in learning and sensorimotor functions. As for synaptic transmission, changes in the spatial distribution of synaptic vesicles, as well as the redistribution of NCAM forms, were observed in the hippocampal synapses of the old gerbils. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data show that dietary supplementation with 2-OX+PLEM not only enhances the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors, but also improves age-related deficits in the morphological and functional state of the brain of old gerbils. Thus, suggesting that a 2-OX+PLEM-enriched diet could also improve brain functions that have deteriorated with age.

Effect of feeding colostrum versus exogenous immunoglobulin G on gastrointestinal structure and enteric nervous system in newborn pigs.

Colostrum is an indispensable source of antibodies (IgG) protecting the newborn pig against infection. We studied the effect of feeding colostrum and purified IgG on early structure and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Newborn littermate pigs were fed either colostrum, an elemental diet (ED), or an ED supplemented with purified serum IgG (ED + IgG) for 24 h or then only ED up to 72 h. Afterwards, pigs were slaughtered. Colostrum-fed pigs or ED supplemented with IgG (ED + IgG) increased thickness (P < 0.001) of stomach mucosa and muscularis (P < 0.05) compared to the ED group not receiving IgG. Feeding an ED supplemented with IgG improved morphology of the GIT towards that of colostrum-fed piglets and indicates a beneficial effect of IgG on GIT development in neonatal pigs. Immunohistochemical studies indicate that ED feeding may influence the expression of nitric oxide synthase in jejunal myenteric (but not submucous) neurons of newborn pigs.

Exogenous pancreatic-like enzymes are recovered in the gut and improve growth of exocrine pancreatic insufficient pigs.

The exocrine pancreatic insufficient (EPI) pigs grow less due to different disturbances in feed digestion, absorption, and retention. Use of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin in pigs may improve feed use and performance in slow-growing pigs. The aim was to study gut recovery and effectiveness of pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin supplementation on pig performance. Six male pigs 10 to 12 kg BW underwent pancreatic duct ligation surgery to induce total exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Three cannulas to access the gastrointestinal tract content were installed in stomach, duodenum, and ileum in EPI pigs and in 3 control (healthy) pigs. One month after surgery, enzymes were given before feeding and digesta samples were collected for analyses. The BW of EPI pigs did not increase during 1 mo following surgery (11.7 vs. 11.6 kg BW); however, BW increased after 1 wk of enzyme supplementation (12.1 kg BW). Coefficient of fat and N absorption increased (P < 0.05) in EPI pigs after enzyme supplementation. Activity of amylase, lipase, and protease in chyme samples of EPI pigs was very low compared to controls. In EPI pigs after enzyme supplementation, amylase activity increased from 5.32 to 72.9 units/mL but remained lower than that of healthy pigs (162.7 units/mL). Lipase activity increased from 79.1 to 421.6 units/mL, which was similar to that of controls (507.3 units/mL). Proteolytic activity increased from 7.8 to 69.7 units/mL but still did not reach control pigs (164.3 units/mL). In conclusion, exogenous microbial enzymes mimic endogenous pancreatic enzymes being recovered along the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. These enzymes might be a useful tool to stimulate growth of slower-growing pigs after the weaning period.

Behavioral changes in response to feeding pancreatic-like enzymes to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency pigs.

Behavioral changes during pancreatic enzyme therapy have never been studied. The present study investigated behavioral changes in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) pigs when their feed was supplemented with pancreatic-like enzymes of microbial origin. A crossover design study was used to test the effect of enzyme supplementation in 2 × 4 EPI pigs that underwent pancreatic duct ligation (PDL). After 40 d of adaptation, the study commenced, comprising 2 control and 2 enzyme feeding periods of 10 d each in sequence. On days 7 and 10 of each experimental period, behavior was monitored for 24 h and feed consumption and BW were recorded. Behavioral observations focused on the pigs' activity-- lying down or passive, or sitting, or standing or active--and were expressed as percentage activity for 24 h. During the adaptation period, BW gain was completely inhibited after PDL whereas for the entire study period, the body weight increased from 10.5 ± 1.1 to 14.0 ± 1.4 kg (P < 0.01). Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency pigs were more active when fed the enzymes (21 vs. 18% per 24 h; P < 0.01). Microbial enzyme supplementation not only improved the growth of the EPI pigs but it also increased their activity. This behavior change contradicts the generally accepted norm that satiety evokes by digestion and subsequent nutrients absorption reduces human or animal motility.

TB across the globe (3). Tuberculosis in Russia.

This paper was presented in place of one that was to have been given by the late Professor A.G. Khomenko, Director of the Central Tuberculosis Research Institute, Moscow. Professor Khomenko had a long and distinguished career and with his death Russia has lost one of its finest and most active workers in the fight against TB.