16S rRNA gene sequencing of cecal microbiota in male Sprague-Dawley rats during early post-mortem decomposition
We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the cecal microbiota of male Sprague-Dawley rats during the first 24 hours post-mortem. Twelve rats (200 plus/minus 20 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 3 per group) with sampling at 0 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after euthanasia. Cecal contents were collected aseptically and stored at -80 degrees Celsius prior to sequencing. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Air Force Special Medical Center (2022-235-PJ01).