《MICRODISSECTION OF MINIATURE PIG EAR》.pdfVIP

2013Vol.8 No.2 JOURNAL OF OTOLOGY MICRODISSECTION OF MINIATURE PIG EAR 1,2 # 1# 3 1 1 1 1 YI Haijin , GuoWeiwei ，Chen Lei , Wu Na , Li Jiana , Ren Lili , Yang Shiming Abstract Objective To investigate the suitability of miniature pigs as an animal model for otological research. Methods Microdissection of the temporal bone was performed on 10 miniature pigs and recorded on photo- graphs. Results The morphology and measurement of the external, middle and inner ear and the lateral re- cess of the miniature pigs were obtained by microdissection. Conclusion Compared to traditional animal models, the miniature pig may be a better model for biomedical research because of its many similarities in physiological functions with humans. Similarities of the temporal bone structures, including the external, middle and inner ear and the lateral recess, between the miniature pig and human make the animal a poten- tially useful model for otological research. Key words: Miniature pig; animal model; otological research. Introduction advantages and ethical reasons. In otologic research, such as middle ear implants, co- Animal models of human diseases have always played chlear implant, stem cell transplant for sensorineural a central role in biomedical research for the exploration hearing loss (SNHL) and basic research on deafness, ani- and development of new therapies [1] . Crucial prerequi- mal studies are an essential method of evaluation prior to sites for the development of safe preclinical protocols in clinical trials. New Zealand rabbits,