The Science and Necessity of Using Animal Models in the Study of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the highest causes of mortality and of acute and long-term morbidity in premature infants. Multiple factors are involved in the pathophysiology of NEC including the immaturity of the immune system and the complex changing composition of the intestinal microbiome. This is compounded by the fact that the premature infant should ideally still be a developing fetus and has an immature intestinal tract. Because these complexities are beyond the scope of studies in single cell cultures, animal models are absolutely essential to understand the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of NEC and the effects of inflammation on the immature intestinal tract.

Source: Seminars in Pediatric Surgery - November 6, 2017 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Guillermo J. Ares, Steven J. McElroy, Catherine J. Hunter Source Type: research