Evidence cluster — Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)

Evidence: Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) toxicology

Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered toxicology, poisoning, intoxication, heavy metals, mycotoxins and (for relevant taxa) envenomation for Cavia porcellus. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.

Studies

• PMID 42339015 (2026, JPRAS open) — Beyond the battlefield: The legacy of Archibald McIndoe and the Guinea Pig Club.. Abstract (opening): Originally founded in 1941 during the Second World War, the Guinea Pig Club was a group composed of airmen that sustained severe burn injuries during the war. During this time, the field of reconstructive surgery was still developing and available reconstructive options were extremely limited. Here, we explore the revolutionary advancements in burn care and reconstructive surgery pioneered by Sir Archibald McIndoe, as well as expand on the legacy of the Guinea Pig Club.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42339015/

• PMID 41940042 (2026, Current research in toxicology) — An integration of physiological, morphological and biochemical assessments in studying guinea pig models of ototoxicity and otoprotection-a systematic review.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Purpose</h4>This systematic review aims to explore the development and utilization of a comprehensive test battery comprising physiological, morphological, and biochemical assessments in guinea pig models to study mechanisms of ototoxicity and otoprotection.<h4>Methods</h4>This review was developed from peer-reviewed articles almost exclusively dealing with guinea pigs published in those journals listed on Journal Citation Reports.<h4>Results</h4>Initially, 560 articles were retrieved from 1994 to 2024. Following the guidelines (PRISMA 2020 statement) for reporting reviews, 54 relevant papers were ultimately selected.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Using animal models of ototoxicity and otoprotection, particularly the guinea pig can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying ototoxicity and otoprotection in humans. This approach offers a detailed framework for elucidating ototoxic mechanisms and exploring therapeutic strategies for otoprotection, while also encouraging researchers to pursue basic research in this field.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41940042/

• PMID 41842687 (2026, Risk analysis : an official publication of the Society for Risk Analysis) — Development of Dose-Response Models for the Ingestion Exposure Route and Stillbirth Outcome for Listeria monocytogenes.. Abstract (opening): Foodborne listeriosis can cause stillbirth in pregnant individuals, prompting numerous population-specific food safety guidelines. Dose-response models are employed in quantitative microbial risk assessments (QMRAs) to develop such guidelines; however, pregnant hosts are under-considered when developing dose-response models, and the few published dose-response models for pregnant hosts do not consider the biological plausibility of the model. Therefore, this study aims to develop biologically plausible dose-response models for pregnant hosts using infection and stillbirth as health outcomes. The inclusion criteria of dose-response data for this analysis required reporting of (i) quantified dose, (ii) Listeria monocytogenes as the target pathogen, (iii) infection and/or stillbirth as endpoints, and (iv) specificity to pregnant hosts. The datasets were fit individually and as pooled sets to exponential and beta-Poisson dose-response models using Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). To establish uncertainty around the MLE estimates, 10,000 bootstrapped iterations were fit to the models. Recommended dose-response models for endpoints of stillbirth and infection were generated. The recommended model for infection was based on pooled guinea pig and gerbil maternal infection data fit to the beta-Poisson model, with parameters of: α = 0.0843 and N₅₀ = 1.01 × 10⁸. The recommended stillbirth dose-response model utilized a pooled guinea pig fetal brain infection and stillbirth dataset fit to the beta-Poisson model parameters of α = 0.575 and N₅₀ = 1.31 × 10⁷. Integrating such models into QMRAs for pregnant hosts supports a more health-protective assessment and decision-making process by separating sensitive populations from the general public when possible.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41842687/

• PMID 42021609 (2026, Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology) — Relaxation of Guinea Pig Aorta Induced by 5-HT&lt;sub&gt;2B&lt;/sub&gt; Receptor. Exploration of Potential Mechanisms.. Abstract (opening): Vascular relaxation induced by 5-HT_2B receptor is thought to be mediated by stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), but this assumption still requires investigation. To investigate potential mechanisms, BW723C86 (5-HT_2B receptor agonist) was added to guinea pig aorta rings precontracted by KCl, phenylephrine (Phe) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The effect of N^ω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (NOS inhibitor), charybdotoxin (potassium channels blocker) or endothelium removal on the BW723C86 response was also explored. 5-HT_2B receptor expression was evaluated through immunofluorescence and NOS expression by means of qPCR and ELISA. Stimulation of the 5-HT_2B receptor relaxed all precontracted aorta rings, and L-NAME fully abolished such relaxations, while charybdotoxin prevented the relaxation only in aortas precontracted by Phe or 5-HT. Immunolabelling confirmed a strong expression of the 5-HT_2B receptor in endothelium and much less in smooth muscle. Interestingly, BW723C86 was still able to produce relaxation on endothelium-denuded aortas precontracted by KCl or Phe but caused a potent contraction on 5-HT precontracted aortas. Because it is known that NOS activity is upregulated by KCl and Phe, but downregulated by 5-HT, we explored whether smooth muscle NOS could be responsible for these effects, but L-NAME did not prevent it. These results pointed out that mechanisms other than NOS activation are also involved in the relaxing effect of 5-HT_2B receptor stimulation.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42021609/

• PMID 42076742 (2026, Veterinary sciences) — Multidrug-Resistant &lt;i&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/i&gt; Causing Respiratory and Systemic Infection in a Guinea Pig (&lt;i&gt;Cavia porcellus&lt;/i&gt;) in Romania: A Case Report.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Background/objectives</h4>Multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Escherichia coli</i> has increasingly been recognized as a pathogen capable of causing severe systemic infections in various animal species. However, reports describing respiratory and septicemic infections caused by MDR <i>E. coli</i> in guinea pigs remain scarce. The objective of this report was to describe the clinical, pathological, and microbiological findings associated with a fatal infection in a domestic guinea pig.<h4>Case study</h4>A 10-month-old female guinea pig (<i>Cavia porcellus</i>), kept as a companion animal in a household environment, presented with acute respiratory distress, lethargy, and anorexia, progressing rapidly to death within approximately 36 h of onset. Post-mortem examination revealed severe pulmonary congestion, diffuse inflammatory lesions in the trachea, and generalized vascular congestion in multiple organs. Bacteriological cultures obtained from lung and bone marrow samples yielded pure growth of <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Identification was confirmed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated resistance to several antibiotic classes, including β-lactams, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and phenicols, while susceptibility was retained only to aminoglycosides. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of virulence genes involved in adhesion and iron acquisition, supporting the pathogenic potential of the isolate.<h4>Conclusions</h4>This report highlights the ability of MDR <i>E. coli</i> to cause severe respiratory and systemic infections in guinea pigs. The findings underline the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial stewardship, and improved husbandry conditions in preventing such infections. From a One Health perspective, the circulation of resistant strains in companion animals may represent a potential risk for both environmental and human health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42076742/

• PMID 42135602 (2026, Birth defects research) — Ontogeny of Placental FcRn Protein During Human and Animal Pregnancy to Inform Developmental Toxicity Testing.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Introduction</h4>Species differences exist in Fc domain-containing molecule transfer/biodistribution to the embryo-fetus during pregnancy. Placentation was reviewed and placental neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) quantitation in the chorioallantoic placenta (CAP) and/or inverted yolk sac placenta (InvYSP) was investigated across species throughout gestation to further understand and inform developmental toxicity testing of Fc domain-containing molecules.<h4>Methods</h4>Quantitative mass spectrometry was used to quantify FcRn protein in CAP and/or InvYSP throughout gestation in mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and nonhuman primate (NHP). In human placental tissues, immunohistochemistry was used to localize FcRn distribution during each trimester.<h4>Results</h4>FcRn protein was detected and concentration increased throughout gestation in mouse, rat, guinea pig, and rabbit; with InvYSP concentration markedly higher compared with CAP at all gestational ages. In contrast, NHP FcRn protein concentration in the CAP remained constant throughout gestation. In humans, during 1st trimester, FcRn occurred in decidua, maternal endothelium, and maternal and fetal macrophages. During 2nd trimester, fetal FcRn increased in syncytiotrophoblasts and fetal chorionic vessels. FcRn expression decreased in maternal endothelium near term.<h4>Conclusions</h4>FcRn protein was detected throughout gestation (including organogenesis) in placental tissue of all animal species. Regardless of FcRn location, these data support that Fc domain-containing molecules can access the embryo-fetus throughout gestation in all species, with the extent of transfer likely depending on FcRn concentration and size of the placenta. This information on placental FcRn ontogeny will help improve study design and translation of nonclinical developmental toxicity data to human safety assessment of Fc domain-containing molecules.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42135602/

• PMID 42056012 (2026, Journal of audiology & otology) — A Review of the Clinical Applicability of Neurotrophins in Cochlear Implantation.. Abstract (opening): Neurotrophins reportedly improve hearing outcomes when used in combination with cochlear implants, as they promote the survival of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and stimulate SGN neurite outgrowth in animal models of sensorineural hearing loss. However, their applicability to human patients remains unknown. This review examines the clinical applicability of neurotrophins based on advances in drug delivery techniques to the inner ear and discusses their potential for future application in human patients.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42056012/

• PMID 42292475 (2026, Frontiers in immunology) — Role of BDNF in form-deprivation myopia progression in guinea pigs.. Abstract (opening): <h4>Purpose</h4>This study investigated the effects of intravitreal administration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the progression of form-deprivation myopia (FDM) in a guinea pig model and explored the associated molecular mechanisms.<h4>Methods</h4>In Experiment 1, 45 pigmented guinea pigs (aged 3 weeks) were randomly assigned to 5 groups to assess the impact of varying BDNF concentrations (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) delivered via intravitreal injection following 4 weeks of monocular form deprivation. Axial length and refractive error were measured at baseline, after the deprivation period, and one day post-injection. In Experiment 2, 36 guinea pigs were allocated into 4 groups to further assess ocular structural changes and underlying molecular pathways. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and western blotting were used to analyze morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera, as well as the expression of BDNF, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the retina.<h4>Results</h4>The 200 μg/mL BDNF concentration significantly inhibited axial elongation and myopic refractive shifts in eyes with FDM. Immunofluorescence localized BDNF expression predominantly to the retina and choroid. Both H&E staining and OCT imaging demonstrated increased retinal and choroidal thickness and improved scleral collagen organization following BDNF administration. Western blot analysis revealed a downregulation of PI3K, AKT, eNOS, and nNOS expression in the retina of FDM-affected eyes treated with BDNF.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Intravitreal injection of 200 μg/mL BDNF effectively attenuated the progression of FDM in guinea pigs. This effect may be mediated through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS/nNOS signaling pathway. These findings support BDNF as a potential therapeutic target for myopia control.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42292475/

• PMID 42312175 (2026, ACS pharmacology & translational science) — Sertraline Enhances Bacterial Control without Adversely Affecting the Pharmacodynamic-Pharmacokinetic Properties of Frontline Tuberculosis Drugs.. Abstract (opening): Host-directed therapies (HDTs) are gaining importance as innovative intervention strategies for shortening the treatment durations of tuberculosis (TB), a major public health burden. The combination of TB drugs and sertraline (SRT), an FDA-approved antidepressant, has shown promise in reducing the treatment duration and advancing tissue recovery in murine models. This study evaluates sertraline as an adjunct in the guinea pig model of infection that mimics human variability and its impact on TB drug pharmacokinetics (PK). Random-bred guinea pigs infected with <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> (Mtb) were treated with frontline TB drugs, with or without sertraline, and the effect of the combination on bacterial loads and lung histopathology was assessed to evaluate disease severity. In addition, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PD) interactions following coadministration of the standard TB drugs with SRT were assessed at multiple time points over 24 h in rat tissues. The SRT and anti-TB drug combination significantly reduced bacterial loads and tissue damage in guinea pig tissues compared with standard therapy alone. Pharmacokinetic analyses in rats revealed that SRT does not adversely affect TB drug distribution or clearance, although a transient but insignificant enrichment of drug levels was observed between 3 and 6 h in various tissues. SRT enhanced TB treatment without compromising drug pharmacokinetics, suggesting a safe and effective adjunct to the current regimen. These findings, coupled with the existing FDA approval and safety profile for clinical use of SRT, highlight its potential as an adjunct to improve TB therapy outcomes.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42312175/

• PMID 41948330 (2026, Frontiers in immunology) — From models to medicine: systematic development and evaluation of animal models for &lt;i&gt;Chlamydia psittaci&lt;/i&gt; respiratory and genital tract infections.. Abstract (opening): <i>Chlamydia psittaci</i> (<i>C. psittaci</i>) is a zoonotic pathogen causing severe respiratory infections and systemic complications. Animal models are a crucial approach for studying <i>C. psittaci</i>. They can simulate the natural infection process and reveal the interaction between the host and the pathogen. This review examines the roles and limitations of various animal models in understanding the infection mechanism, developing vaccines and therapies, and researching the evolution and transmission of the pathogen. Mouse and guinea pig models are widely used in immunological research because they have numerous advantages in terms of genetic manipulation, cost-effectiveness, and operability. Poultry, which are natural hosts of <i>C. psittaci</i>, are of great significance for the study of the pathogenic characteristics and transmission routes of this pathogen in birds. Compared with small rodents, the immune systems of large mammals, such as non-human primates, are more complex. This is because they have a closer physiological relationship with humans and are the gold standard for evaluating treatment efficacy. Due to the significant disparities in standardized cross-model comparison data, future efforts should focus on the following aspects. (a) Establishing a unified evaluation framework to assess respiratory and reproductive tract infections. (b) Leveraging new technologies such as tissue organ models and humanized mice to eliminate species-specific differences. (c) Prioritizing the conduct of preclinical trials based on non-human primates to ultimately bridge the critical gap between basic research and the development of effective response measures.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41948330/

• PMID 41892407 (2026, Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)) — Pre-Exposure Intranasal Treatment with Neomycin Sulfate Reduces Transmission of Influenza B Virus.. Abstract (opening): <b>Background/Objectives</b>: Influenza B virus infection contributes substantially to annual morbidity and mortality, accounting for 20% to 30% of influenza-associated deaths worldwide. Although vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, widely used inactivated influenza vaccines are often insufficient to prevent virus transmission. Moreover, influenza B viruses are less susceptible to commonly used antivirals than influenza A viruses. New approaches are therefore required to decrease disease burden and limit virus spread. Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, was recently shown to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a hamster model. Here, we conducted an exploratory study to assess the effect of neomycin on influenza B virus transmission. <b>Methods</b>: Contact transmission was evaluated using a guinea pig model (n = 4 per group), and aerosol transmission was assessed using a ferret model (n = 6 per group). Animals in the experimental groups received neomycin sulfate (5 mg/guinea pig, 20 mg/ferret) or placebo intranasally, starting one day before exposure to infected animals and continuing for four days thereafter. In the guinea pig study, an additional control group received intranasal interferon alpha. Viral transmission to contact animals was assessed by RT-PCR and virus culture of nasal washes collected over two weeks. Clinical signs and body weight were monitored daily. <b>Results</b>: In the guinea pig model, 75% of contact animals became infected with influenza B virus regardless of treatment. Neither neomycin nor interferon alpha prevented infection, although both delayed the onset of viral shedding in contact animals. In the ferret model, infection occurred in 33% of placebo-treated contact animals, whereas no viral shedding was detected in the neomycin-treated group. <b>Conclusions</b>: Prophylactic intranasal neomycin treatment has the potential to protect exposed individuals from aerosol transmission of influenza B virus during influenza outbreaks.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41892407/

• PMID 41894455 (2026, PloS one) — Establishment of an in vitro hairless guinea pig dermal model.. Abstract (opening): Hairless guinea pigs (HGP) make a desirable model for percutaneous exposure because they do not need to be clipped and are lower in cost and less sentient than swine. Current data leaves gaps in data translation and scaling from animal to human and from cells to whole organisms. The establishment and tracking of in vitro cell cultures from animals from an in-house colony allows for highly controllable and reportable data for data translation. We report the isolation, culture, methods optimization, characterization, and toxicant exposure of HGP dermal fibroblasts (HGP-DF) from the in-house HGP breeding colony at U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC). We successfully isolated HGP-DF from the forelimb and hindlimb skin of several HGP. Fibroblasts exited tissue within 14 days. All trypsin and media types tested for cell maintenance yielded cells with greater than 95% viability during passaging. Cells were stored under cryopreservation and exhibited acceptable viability for several passages after thawing. Fluorescently stained HGP-DF exhibited similar morphology as vendor certified human dermal fibroblasts. HGP-DF were more sensitive than human dermal fibroblasts to a toxic exposure, with median lethal concentrations of 1 mM and 0.3 mM for human cells and hairless guinea pig cells, respectively. This follows a similar trend as observed in whole organism data from the same toxicant. This work marks the first documented protocol on isolation, culture, characterization, and exposure of HGP cells. HGP-DF enable an intermediate model between human cells and in vivo models that may enable validation of in vitro models against animal models. Future work should address limitations of the present study, including evaluating phenotypic changes of cells following cryopreservation and immunohistochemistry compared to vendor certified controls to confirm dermal fibroblast phenotype.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41894455/

Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_guinea_pig_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).