Optimization of the non-invasive 13C-sucrose breath test in a rat model of methotrexate-induced mucositis.
OBJECTIVE
In order to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the test and to optimize experimental conditions utilizing the SBT in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced small intestinal damage.


METHODS
Initially, a 13C-sucrose dose-response study was performed in rats to determine an optimal sucrose concentration for the SBT; then applied to assess chemotherapy-induced intestinal damage. A further study was conducted to establish a SBT time-course of methotrexate-induced small intestinal damage and repair. Animals were killed at 96 or 144 h.


RESULTS
A sucrose concentration of 0.25 g/ml was optimal (20% CV) for reproducibility and detection of intestinal damage. Maximal damage occurred at 72 h, small intestinal repair was initiated by 96 h and continued at 144 h post-MTX, as determined by the SBT and confirmed by biochemical analyses. Levels of sensitivity and specificity for the SBT were 98 and 94%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The SBT is a reliable non-invasive marker of small intestinal health and damage with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity.
Tooley
K L
KL
Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Gastroenterology, Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia. katietooley@gmail.com
Howarth
G S
GS
Lymn
K A
KA
Butler
R N
RN
D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000633:toxicity*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D001944:Breath Tests / Q000379:methods*; D002247:Carbon Isotopes / Q000032:analysis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000378:metabolism; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000633:toxicity*; D052016:Mucositis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013393:Sucrase / Q000378:metabolism; D013395:Sucrose / Q000032:analysis*
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D013395:Sucrose; D013393:Sucrase; D008727:Methotrexate