Simple and reproducible approaches for the collection of select porcine ganglia

Abstract

Background The anatomy and physiology of the pig nervous system is more similar to humans compared to traditional rodent models. This makes the pig an attractive model to answer questions relating to human health and disease. Yet the technical and molecular tools available to pig researchers are limited compared to rodent researchers New Method We developed simple and rapid methods to isolate the trigeminal, nodose (distal vagal), and dorsal root ganglia from neonatal pigs. We selected these ganglia due to their broad applicability to basic science researchers and clinicians Results Use of these methods resulted in reproducible isolation of all three types of ganglia as validated by histological examination. Comparison with Existing Method(s) There are currently no methods that describe a step-by-step protocol to isolate these porcine ganglia. Conclusions In conclusion, these methods for ganglia collection will facilitate and accelerate future neuroscience investigations in pig models of human disease.

Solitary Cholinergic Stimulation Induces Airway Hyperreactivity and Transcription of Distinct Pro-inflammatory Pathways

“…Because previous studies have shown that airway hyperreactivity can occur as early as 24–48 hours following an airway insult [3,4], we measured airway resistance 48 hours later. We selected the piglet model due to its similar anatomy, physiology, and development compared to humans [6], as well as our extensive expertise with the model [7,8]. …”

Dissection of the Trigeminal Ganglion of Nonrodent Species Used in Toxicology Studies

“…Trigeminal ganglia were dissected from all 4 species, using variations of the methods described for swine 14,15 until feasible methods were established to isolate the ganglia. The gross anatomy of the ganglion, the trigeminal nerve, and its branches were noted and photographs taken to illustrate the methods.…”

“…The dissection of the trigeminal ganglion in the postmortem skull of mini-pigs using an intracranial approach has been illustrated, 14 and an approach via the orbit in newborn pigs has also been described. 15 These publications describe methods that are feasible for harvesting the trigeminal ganglion in routine toxicology studies, where there are relatively large numbers-often 20 to 40-of animals and where no experimental manipulation of the ganglion or nerve in situ is required. There are also descriptions of the anatomy and intracranial dissection of the trigeminal ganglion in rabbits 5 and in monkeys.…”

The vagal ganglia transcriptome identifies candidate therapeutics for airway hyperreactivity

“…This approach is consistent with previous studies in which transcriptome sequencing has been performed in OVA-sensitized mouse lung tissues without analysis of airway resistance ( 12 ). Following euthanasia, the vagal ganglia were exposed by gently tracing the vagus nerve back to the base of the skull using protocols similar to those previously described ( 50 , 66 ). The ganglia were delicately removed and immediately placed in TRIzol stored at −80°C until RNA isolation.…”