Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Mechanistic Insight into the Development of TNBS-Mediated Intestinal Fibrosis and Evaluating the Inhibitory Effects of Rapamycin
Published on: September 12, 2019
Osteopontin ablation attenuates progression of colitis in TNBS model
Helieh S Oz1, Jian Zhong, Willem J S de Villiers
1Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40515-0298, USA. Hoz2@email.uky.edu
Introduction:
OPN has been implicated in the inflammatory response to Crohn's disease. We hypothesized that OPN deficiency protects against different stages of TNBS-induced colitis in a modified model that mimics Crohn's disease.
Material And Methods:
OPN-deficient and wildtype mice were treated intracolonically with TNBS and euthanized during acute, sub-acute and chronic colitis.
Results:
TNBS-treated wildtype mice developed severe colitis, but OPN-deficient mice were significantly protected. Wildtype mice showed significant infiltration of inflammatory cells including macrophages, and colonic transmural thickening that progressed to strictures, increased matrix collagen deposits (X2 fold), and granuloma formation. These pathological findings were partially attenuated by OPN deficiency. The inflammatory marker, serum amyloid A (SAA), markedly increased in sub-acute stages regardless of OPN status. Conversely, OPN deficiency significantly reduced concentration of SAA in the acute and chronic stages. Secretory OPN was upregulated particularly in acute stage in wildtypes (P < 0.001) and as expected not present in OPN-deficient animals. Flow cytometry analysis of splenic macrophages revealed significant increases in scavenger receptors, macrosialin and F4/80 markers' expression in wildtypes.
Conclusions:
Our data support the role of OPN in induction of inflammation and establishment of chronic colitis. Therefore, OPN may represent a target for therapeutic intervention in Crohn's disease.
Insights
Osteopontin (OPN) deficiency protected mice from inflammatory bowel disease. OPN plays a key role in inducing inflammation and chronic colitis, suggesting it as a therapeutic target for Crohn's disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Osteopontin (OPN) is implicated in Crohn's disease inflammation.
- A modified TNBS-induced colitis model mimics Crohn's disease pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if OPN deficiency protects against TNBS-induced colitis.
- To evaluate OPN's role in different stages of colitis.
Main Methods:
- OPN-deficient and wildtype mice were subjected to TNBS-induced colitis.
- Mice were analyzed during acute, sub-acute, and chronic colitis phases.
Main Results:
- OPN-deficient mice showed significant protection against severe colitis compared to wildtypes.
- OPN deficiency attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, colonic thickening, collagen deposition, and granuloma formation.
- OPN deficiency reduced serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in acute and chronic stages.
Conclusions:
- OPN is crucial for inducing inflammation and establishing chronic colitis.
- OPN represents a potential therapeutic target for Crohn's disease interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Peptic Ulcer Disease II: Pathophysiology
Damaging agents such as Helicobacter pylori, gastric acid, pepsin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can weaken the mucosal defense, allowing hydrogen ions to infiltrate back and harm epithelial cells.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

