Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Livestock Bio-Systems » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #247575
Title: Myelination is Decreased in the Brain Stem of Small Piglets Compared to Larger Littermates During Late Gestation

Author
item Vallet, Jeff
item Miles, Jeremy

Submitted to: Midwestern Section of the American Society of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/8/2009
Publication Date: 7/1/2010
Citation: Vallet, J.L., Miles, J.R. 2010. Myelination is Decreased in the Brain Stem of Small Piglets Compared to Larger Littermates During Late Gestation [abstract]. Journal of Animal Science. 88 (E-Supplement 3):119-120. (Abstract #249).

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Preweaning mortality is associated with low birth weights. Reduced myelination in the brain of low birth weight piglets has been reported, however, these studies measured brain cholesterol, which is not myelin. Thus, we compared myelination in brain regions associated with coordinated movement and reflexes during late gestation. Gilts were mated at estrus, and four gilts each were killed on days 92, 100, and 110 of gestation. Cerebellar, brain stem and spinal cord tissues were obtained from the largest and smallest fetus in each litter. Myelin basic protein (MBP) mRNA was quantified in each tissue using real time rtPCR. Myelin was recovered from each tissue by differential centrifugation, and was then subjected to SDS-PAGE and TLC to examine MBP and lipids, respectively. MBP mRNA increased with advancing gestation in all three tissues examined (P