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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)
Published on: January 19, 2010
The COX-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium induced colitis in mice
A R Martín1, I Villegas, C Alarcón de la Lastra
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González Street, 2, 41012, Seville, Spain.
Objective:
We have evaluated the efficacy of the selective cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, for the prevention of experimental colitis.
Material And Methods:
To induce colitis BALB/c mice received 5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) in their drinking water continuously for 7 days. Rofecoxib (2.5-10 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) was administered throughout the treatment period with DSS. Colitis was quantified by a clinical damage score, colon length, weight loss, stool consistency and rectal bleeding. Inflammatory response was assessed by neutrophil infiltration, determined by histology and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, prostaglandin (PG)E2 and PGD2 levels in colon mucosa and the immunohistochemical expression of COX-1 and -2 were also studied.
Results:
The COX-2 inhibitor ameliorated severe colitis, reduced the degree of inflammation through reduction of neutrophil infiltration and IL-1beta levels. PGE2, and PGD2 synthesis were significantly reduced in DSS-treated groups. Indeed, treatment with rofecoxib diminished the lost of COX-1 caused by DSS in the crypt epithelium whereas expression of COX-2 remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
Rofecoxib is protective in acute DSS-induced colitis, probably by reducing neutrophil infiltration, inhibiting up-regulation of IL-1beta and returning to normal COX-1 expression in the inflamed colonic mucosa.
Insights
Rofecoxib, a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, effectively prevents dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. It reduces inflammation by decreasing neutrophil infiltration and modulating prostaglandin and interleukin-1 beta levels.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) is widely used to induce experimental colitis in animal models.
- Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory conditions.
- The role of COX-1 and COX-2 in DSS-induced colitis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, in preventing experimental colitis.
- To investigate the effects of rofecoxib on inflammatory markers and prostaglandin synthesis in DSS-induced colitis.
Main Methods:
- Colitis was induced in BALB/c mice using 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days.
- Rofecoxib (2.5-10 mg/kg) was administered orally throughout the DSS treatment period.
- Colitis severity was assessed clinically and histologically, with measurements of inflammatory markers like neutrophil infiltration, MPO activity, IL-1beta, PGE2, and PGD2 levels.
Main Results:
- Rofecoxib treatment significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis, reducing clinical scores and inflammation.
- Neutrophil infiltration and IL-1beta levels were decreased by rofecoxib.
- PGE2 and PGD2 synthesis were reduced, and rofecoxib preserved COX-1 expression in the colonic crypt epithelium.
Conclusions:
- Rofecoxib demonstrates protective effects against acute DSS-induced colitis.
- The protective mechanism involves reducing neutrophil infiltration, inhibiting IL-1beta upregulation, and restoring normal COX-1 expression.
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