title: Animal models of toxicology testing: the role of pigs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In regulatory toxicological testing, both a rodent and non-rodent species are required. Historically, dogs and non-human primates (NHP) have been the species of choice of the non-rodent portion of testing. The pig is an appropriate option for these tests based on metabolic pathways utilized in xenobiotic biotransformation.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review focuses on the Phase I and Phase II biotransformation pathways in humans and pigs and highlights the similarities and differences of these models. This is a growing field and references are sparse. Numerous breeds of pigs are discussed along with specific breed differences in these enzymes that are known. While much available data are presented, it is grossly incomplete and sometimes contradictory based on methods used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no ideal species to use in toxicology. The use of dogs and NHP in xenobiotic testing continues to be the norm. Pigs present a viable and perhaps more reliable model of non-rodent testing.
authors.affiliation: Medical University South Carolina, Comparative Medicine, 114 Doughty St, Ste 648, MSC777, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. helke@musc.edu
authors.forename: Kristi L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Helke
authors.forename: Marvin Michael
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Swindle
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000378:metabolism; D004285:Dogs; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D023421:Models, Animal; D013045:Species Specificity; D034421:Sus scrofa; D013552:Swine / Q000502:physiology*; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System