CT Characteristics of Osteolathyrism in a Pig Model of β-Aminopropionitrile and Surgery-Induced Aortic Aneurysm.

Pigs are established animal models for translational research studies of aortic aneurysms in humans. A recent publication recommended adding oral treatment of β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) as a technique for enhancing surgically induced aortic aneurysm formation in pig models. The aims of the current prospective pilot study were to build on previous studies and develop a reproducible protocol for future use in our group's longitudinal research studies. Two, 3-month-old, male castrated, Yorkshire pigs were included. Pigs were treated with oral BAPN, and aortic aneurysms were induced using a surgical protocol we had developed and refined in previous pilot studies. Pigs were evaluated using whole-body CT and full necropsy examinations at the study's 4-week termination timepoint. We identified and described previously unreported CT characteristics of osteolathyrism as an unexpected adverse event in both pigs. Authors recommend using lower doses of BAPN and monitoring pigs closely for bone changes in future studies.