CT Characteristics of Osteolathyrism in a Pig Model of β‐Aminopropionitrile and Surgery‐Induced Aortic Aneurysm

TL;DR

This study describes unexpected CT findings of bone changes in pigs treated with BAPN for aortic aneurysm research.

Contribution

The study reports previously unobserved CT characteristics of osteolathyrism in pigs treated with BAPN.

Findings

CT scans revealed previously unreported characteristics of osteolathyrism in both pigs.

BAPN treatment was associated with unexpected adverse effects on bone structure.

Lower BAPN doses and close monitoring of bone changes are recommended for future studies.

Abstract

Pigs are established animal models for translational research studies of aortic aneurysms in humans. A recent publication recommended adding oral treatment of β‐aminopropionitrile (BAPN) as a technique for enhancing surgically induced aortic aneurysm formation in pig models. The aims of the current prospective pilot study were to build on previous studies and develop a reproducible protocol for future use in our group's longitudinal research studies. Two, 3‐month‐old, male castrated, Yorkshire pigs were included. Pigs were treated with oral BAPN, and aortic aneurysms were induced using a surgical protocol we had developed and refined in previous pilot studies. Pigs were evaluated using whole‐body CT and full necropsy examinations at the study's 4‐week termination timepoint. We identified and described previously unreported CT characteristics of osteolathyrism as an unexpected adverse event in both pigs. Authors recommend using lower doses of BAPN and monitoring pigs closely for bone changes in future studies.

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