Female squirrel monkeys as models for research on women's pelvic floor disorders. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pereira da Silva, Gessiane; Souza Pereira, Thyago Habner de; Felipe Lima, Ana Kelen; Russiano Vicente, Wilter Ricardo; Kuehl, Thomas J.; Ruiz, Julio Cesar; Barros Monteiro, Frederico Ozanan
• Is Part Of: Laboratory animals. Volume 55:Number 6(2021)
• Page Start: 499
• Page End: 508
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Reproduction -- nonhuman primates -- biomodels -- pelvic floor support; Animal experimentation -- Periodicals; Animal models in research -- Periodicals; Laboratory animals -- Periodicals; Animal welfare -- Periodicals; 636.0885
• DOI: 10.1177/00236772211032506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-6772

Abstract

Animal models enable research on biological phenomena with controlled interventions not possible or ethical in patients. Among species used as experimental models, squirrel monkeys ( Saimiri genus) are phylogenetically related to humans and are relatively easily managed in captivity. Quadrupedal locomotion of squirrel monkeys resembles most other quadrupedal primates in that they utilize a diagonal sequence/diagonal couplets gait when walking on small branches. However, to assume a bipedal locomotion, the human pelvis has undergone evolutionary changes. Therefore, the pelvic bone morphology is not that similar between the female squirrel monkey and woman, but pelvic floor support structures and impacts of fetal size and malpresentation are similar. Thus, this review explores the pelvic floor support structural characteristics of female squirrel monkeys, especially in relation to childbirth to demonstrate similarities to humans.