Anatomical, behavioural and physiological analyses of craniofacial development by cineradiographic imaging in marmosets.

Background: Non-human primates are the closest animal models to humans regarding genetics, physiology and behaviour. Marmoset monkeys in particular are one of the most versatile species for biomedical research.

Objective: To assess the craniofacial growth and development of the masticatory function in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), from birth to the fourth month of life through minimally invasive cineradiographic imaging.

Methods: Ten individuals were followed-up from 0 to 4 months of age regarding craniofacial growth and masticatory function assessed by cineradiography. For the experimental procedure, we used a microfocal X-ray source apparatus and a beryllium fast-response image-intensifier.

Results: The duration of the masticatory cycles was stable across age groups. Chewing a very soft Castella cake or the slightly harder Marshmallow did not change the masticatory cycle in the time domain. On the other hand, linear and angular measurements of the jaw-opening movement showed a tendency for bigger movements at the latter stages of craniofacial growth. Qualitative analysis showed that marmosets had a small preference for Castella over Marshmallow, that they most often bit off pieces of food to chew with their posterior teeth, that they manipulated the food with their hands, and that they chewed the food continuously.

Conclusion: We observed critical developmental events during the first 3 months of life in marmosets. Cineradiographic imaging in marmosets may provide valuable information on craniofacial form and function for basic and preclinical research models.