Can Pig Hearts for Transplant Be Far Behind?

By Cory SerVaas M.D.

August 2, 2005

Post readers may remember that Dr. John Critser is a leader in the research to make pig hearts a possibility for those who die waiting for a human donor heart. He has now helped to build the University of Missouri into the "swine capital" of the world. Dr. Critser visited our editorial offices with his research colleague, Dr. Lela Riley, to give us a welcomed update. His research team is studying pennedin pigs to find out how a couch potato lifestyle may lead to disease. It seems the coronary anatomy--and sedentary nature--of miniature Yucatan pigs are very similar to those of humans, making them a good model for study.

"Because of similarities in their body size and physiology, pigs are an ideal animal model for humans, whether a researcher is studying diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, or organ transplantation," explained Dr. Critser, chair of the MU department of veterinary pathobiology.

Preliminary data show that 75 minutes daily on a treadmill helps significantly reduce or prevent the development of plaque in the heart arteries of male pigs.

"It is fascinating work," said Dr. Riley, an MU professor and associate dean for research. "The pathology is markedly different between male pigs that run on the treadmills and those that don't. It really shows the effect of exercise."

The intriguing study suggests gender differences, too.

"When they do these same studies in female pigs, there is not as much difference," continued Dr. Riley. "It would suggest that females don't have to run on the treadmill quite as long as males to have a healthy heart."

The newly established National Swine Research and Resource Center in Columbia will serve as the world's clearinghouse for swine genetics. Look for more about pig hearts for human transplants in upcoming issues.

Copyright © 2004 Benjamin Franklin Literary and Medical Society.

This article posted August 20, 2005.