Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. 19 ISSUE 4
Written by Sonya CIULEAN, Orhan RASID, Leontina BANICA, Adina Daniela IANCU, Manuella MILITARU, Crina STAVAR
Mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are important tools in the study of this yet misunderstood pathology. The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis model has several advantages, however, like any animal model, thorough experimental set-up is required. We aimed to set-up a DSS colitis model and to establish means of monitoring disease progression, with or without the influence of oral vitamin D3 supplementation. Colitis was induced by administration of DSS in drinking water to adult Balb/c and CD1 mice. A vitamin D3 supplement was given to CD1 mice by oral gavage as therapeutic attempt. Clinical signs and body weight were monitored daily. Histopathological analysis of colon sections was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Compared to inbred Balb/c mice, which succumbed to 2,5% DSS treatment without specific signs of colitis, outbred CD1 mice developed the full spectrum of clinical colitis at a regimen of 5% DSS. Histopathology of colon sections showed different degree of leukocyte infiltration and mucosal alteration. Characteristic manifestations of disease were reversible by both long and short oral vitamin D3 treatment. Our preliminary results show that the CD1 mouse strain is more suitable than the Balb/c strain for studying colitis in a DSS induced model. The established model may be a useful tool to elucidate the mechanisms involved in IBD pathogenesis and for therapeutic efficacy.
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