title: The 'normalization' of germ-free rabbits with host-specific caecal microflora.
abstract: Hysterectomy-derived germ-free rabbits were given colonization-resistant caecal flora (CRF) from mice, or microflora obtained from the caecum of an antibiotic-decontaminated conventional rabbit and compared with rabbits conventionally raised with the doe. Bodyweight and the following intestinal parameters were determined for the 3 groups: colonization resistance to E. coli, relative caecal weight, villus:crypt ratio (ileum), beta-aspartylglycine (faeces), volatile fatty acids (caecum), and bile acids (faeces). Germ-free rabbits given mouse CRF-flora showed values quite different from control animals for most parameters, indicating unsuitability of mouse CRF flora to 'normalize' rabbits. In germ-free rabbits given modified (antibiotic-treated) rabbit flora, values for most parameters were intermediate between those found for the other 2 groups. This species-specific caecal flora should be improved to provide full 'normalization' of germ-free rabbits.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism; D001835:Body Weight; D002432:Cecum / Q000032:analysis / Q000382:microbiology*; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000254:growth & development*; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005856:Germ-Free Life; D007082:Ileum / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007422:Intestines / Q000382:microbiology*; D051379:Mice / Q000382:microbiology; D011817:Rabbits / Q000382:microbiology*
chemical_list: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D005232:Fatty Acids, Volatile