Using animal models for research is a method employed by scientists for a variety of reasons – the results retrieved can shed light on the physiological processes of the animal itself, whilst conclusions can also be drawn comparatively between the research model and other animals/humans. Comparative science is a useful tool that broadens the current understanding of how specific biological mechanisms are carried out by using one particular species as a research model.

One such example of a research study is ‘The use of ultrasound to assess fetal growth in a guinea pig model of fetal growth restriction’ by Swanson AM et al., Laboratory Animals, 2016 April 26. The following information was taken from the abstract which can be accessed by clicking here. As the title suggests, this study concentrates on foetal growth restriction (FGR) which is a condition whereby the foetus does not grow well during gestation, and can be caused by a number of factors (Wikipedia). This study looks at the effect of food restriction via the mother on the onset of FGR, which is at present untreatable and uses the guinea pig as a model (due to similarities with human pregnancy) with results drawn used to aid in future human studies. The guinea pigs were treated in order to mimic a situation whereby the foetuses were growth-restricted both prior to and during gestation.

Ultrasonography was carried out to assess measurements of the guinea pig pups, and revealed that differences in pup weight was apparent further into the pregnancy (5 weeks following conception), with affected pups not being as heavy or big as ‘control’ pups. This difference was statistically significant, and so can be considered a ‘real’ decrease in pup weight. The researchers discuss how using ultrasound allowed them to examine the pup foetuses following treatment with minimal intervention, and how the results retrieved can help in comparative pregnancy studies with humans. Importantly the guinea pigs used as models were able to be kept alive during research, and will help in the discovery of future treatments for foetuses afflicted with FGR.

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