Small-intestinal manifestations of dextran sulfate sodium consumption in rats and assessment of the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum BR11.
The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model has been utilized to screen for novel therapeutics for ulcerative colitis. Evidence suggests the small intestine may also be affected by DSS. We characterized the effects of DSS on the small intestine and assessed the potential for Lactobacillus fermentum BR11 to modify or normalize DSS-induced changes. Rats were allocated to three groups, Water + Vehicle, DSS + Vehicle, and DSS + L. fermentum BR11. BR11 was administered twice daily for 14 days. DSS (2%) was provided from days 7 to 14. Small-intestinal tissue was analyzed for sucrase activity, histology, and crypt cell proliferation. Increased ileum crypt depth and cell proliferation was observed in DSS-treated rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). BR11 normalized these parameters. While DSS predominantly induces colonic damage, minor morphological alterations were also detected in the distal small intestine. L. fermentum BR11 normalized these features.
Geier
Mark S
MS
Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Gastroenterology, Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, North Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Smith
Cassie L
CL
Butler
Ross N
RN
Howarth
Gordon S
GS
D000818:Animals; D003092:Colitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D016264:Dextran Sulfate / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D052197:Limosilactobacillus fermentum / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D016264:Dextran Sulfate