Radiological investigation of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) lumbar vertebral morphology ‒ a biomechanical aspect
2023
Authors:
Mitrović, Marko JumakeKitanović, Sara
Tatalović, Nikola
Todorović, Anastasija
Lazarević Macanović, Mirjana
Document Type:
Article (Published version)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract:
Numerous studies are based on the use of animal models; however, in bipedal and
tetrapedal organisms there are significant differences in the biomechanics of the spinal
column, which can significantly impair the quality and applicability of the results
obtained. The aim of this study is to obtain basic data on the morphometric parameters
of guinea pig lumbar vertebrae, the analysis of which will indicate the location of the
biggest mechanical load. The lumbar vertebra morphometry test was performed by
means of X-ray imageing obtained from 12 guinea pigs, with equal numbers of males
and females. The results of investigations show that guinea pig lumbar vertebrae have
an irregular trapezoid geometry and that the measured body lengths of L4 and L5 are
the largest. The height parameters determined in the medial level showed that L4 had
the most concave body. Moreover, L4 had the greatest depth of the spinal canal at the
same measurement level. Consequently, in guinea pigs, the greatest load is in the L4
region, unlike in humans, where, due to the axial load of the spinal column, the highest
pressure is exerted on the last lumbar vertebrae.
Keywords:
biomechanics; guinea pig; lumbar spine; morphometry; radiologySource:
Acta Veterinaria, 2023, 73, 1, 55-70Funding / projects:
- Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, institutional funding - 200007 (University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research 'Siniša Stanković') (RS-MESTD-inst-2020-200007)