National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases 5P30DK034987-41

Large Animal Models Core

This award funds the Large Animal Models Core to develop and support large animal models for digestive disease research, providing veterinary and procedural support to facilitate advanced studies at research institutions.

Description

The Large Animal Models Core was developed in 2014 to address the limitations of small animal models in solving human digestive disease problems, especially where key human anatomical features are absent or animal size is critical. The core has developed models of Barrett’s esophagus and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) that can be monitored repeatedly under anesthesia via a human gastroscope. It has been involved in intestinal transplantation in pigs using human-developed storage devices and surgical techniques. Studies of epithelial repair after ischemic injury may have implications for necrotizing enterocolitis. The core facilitates investigator research by submitting IACUC protocols, arranging housing, scheduling procedures, configuring procedural spaces, and coordinating with imaging units. Animals are monitored by veterinarians, enabling large animal research at institutions like Duke and UNC. The core’s specific aims include providing veterinary consultation, assisting in animal procurement, providing access to anesthesia procedures, and developing novel research technologies such as genetic manipulation. The core is led by Dr. Anthony Blikslager and Dr. Gonzalez, with expertise in digestive disease research and veterinary surgery. Collaborations with specialists in laboratory animal medicine, internal medicine, anesthesia, and advanced imaging ensure high standards of animal care and procedural management.

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