The pig as a model in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis research

Abstract

Animal models are widely used in research on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, and the choice of a relevant species is crucial. This review focuses on farm and mini-pigs, which have several advantages as animal models in the field of
coagulation; The porcine cardiovascular system is rather similar to that found in human beings. Like man, the pig is an omnivore, and in spite of anatomical differences the physiology of the porcine digestive system is also very similar to that of the human system. The pig is sensitive to the development of both spontaneous and dietinduced atherosclerosis, but cerebral and myocardial infarction are uncommon. The porcine coagulation and fibrinoiytic systems are in many aspects compaIable to those of humans. However, porcine blood is in a hypercoaguiable state. The intrinsic coagulation system, in particular, seems to be hyperactive. Sufficient quantities of blood can be obtained but, especially in mini-pigs, good
sampling methods are lacking. Generally, the human functional laboratory assays are useful for examination of porcine blood, while only a minority of immunological methods can be used. Ketamin and halothan/nitrous oxide anaesthesia
do not seem to have any impact on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. It is concluded that in comparison with other species both the farm and the mini-pig are good options in coagulation research.