Author/Authors :
Greco, A Department of Advanced Biomedical Science - University of Naples Federico II - Naples, Italy , Ragucci, M Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging - Naples, Italy , Liuzzi, R Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging - Naples, Italy , Prota, M Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production - University of Naples Federico II - Naples, Italy , Cocchia, N Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production - University of Naples Federico II - Naples, Italy , Fatone, G Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production - University of Naples Federico II - Naples, Italy , Mancini, M Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging - Naples, Italy , Brunetti, A Department of Advanced Biomedical Science - University of Naples Federico II - Naples, Italy , Meomartino, L University of Naples Federico II - Naples, Italy
Abstract :
Ultrasound is a noninvasive routine method that allows real-time monitoring of fetal development in utero to determine
gestational age and to detect congenital anomalies and multiple pregnancies. To date, the developmental biology of Chinchilla
lanigera has not yet been characterized. This species has been found to undergo placentation, long gestation, and fetal dimensions similar to those in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the use of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) and
clinical ultrasound (US) to predict gestational age in chinchillas and evaluate the possibility of this species as a new animal
model for the study of human pregnancy. In this study, 35 pregnant females and a total of 74 embryos and fetuses were
monitored. Ultrasound examination was feasible in almost all chinchilla subjects. It was possible to monitor the chinchilla
embryo with HFUS from embryonic day (E) 15 to 60 and with US from E15 to E115 due to fetus dimensions. The placenta could
be visualized and measured with HFUS from E15, but not with US until E30. From E30, the heartbeat became detectable and it
was possible to measure fetal biometrics. In the late stages of pregnancy, stomach, eyes, and lenses became visible. Our study
demonstrated the importance of employing both techniques while monitoring embryonic and fetal development to obtain an
overall and detailed view of all structures and to recognize any malformation at an early stage. Pregnancy in chinchillas can be
conrmed as early as the 15th day postmating, and sonographic changes and gestational age are well correlated. The quantitative
measurements of fetal and placental growth performed in this study could be useful in setting up a database for comparison
with human fetal ultrasounds. We speculate that, in the future, the chinchilla could be used as an animal model for the study of
US in human pregnancy.
