OBJECTIVETo study the reliability of establishing a neonatal piglet model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

METHODSFourteen neonatal piglets were randomly assigned into Experiment group (n=9) and Control group (n=5). MODS model was established in the piglets from the Experiment group by CLP. The Control group underwent a sham-operation. Serum biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALB, BUN, Cr, CK-MB and lactic acid), blood platelet counting and blood gas analysis(PaO2 and PaCO2) were tested at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hrs after operation. The histomorphological changes of important vital organs were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining under a light microscope.

RESULTSThe levels of serum ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, CK-MB and lactic acid in the Experiment group began to increase 24 hrs after operation. Significant differences were observed between the Experiment and the Control group at 48 hrs in ALT (83.0 +/- 9.3 U/L vs 57.8 +/- 15.8 U/L), AST (348.8 +/- 132.9 U/L vs 106.4 +/- 12.5 U/L), BUN (10.5 +/- 2.5 micromol/L vs 4.3 +/- 1.0 micromol/L), Cr (79.2 +/- 9.0 micromol/L vs 53.6 +/- 6.8 micromol/L), CK-MB (5152.0 +/- 1 857.8 U/L vs 1243.0 +/- 354.5 U/L), and lactic acid (12.3 +/- 4.0 mmol/L vs 4.6 +/- 1.5 mmol/L) (P < 0.01). The high levels of the above parameters persisted until 96 hrs after operation in the Experiment group and then decreased but were still higher than those at 0 h after operation. After operation, the blood platelet counting decreased significantly at 96 hrs, and PaO2 decrease and PaCO2 increase were observed at 48 hrs in the Experiment group compared with the Control group. All animals, except one, in the Experiment group died within 120 hrs after operation (with the MODS incidence of 56%), while none died in the Control group. The tissue injuries with different degrees were observed in the lungs, liver, heart, kidneys and gastrointestinal tracts of the Experiment group.

CONCLUSIONSNeonatal piglet MODS model can be established successfully by CLP.