Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 9, 2026
Investigating Intestinal Inflammation in DSS-induced Model of IBD
Published on: February 1, 2012
Bifidobacterium breve alters immune function and ameliorates DSS-induced inflammation in weanling rats
Hirohisa Izumi1, Mario Minegishi1, Yohei Sato1
1Nutritional Science Institute, Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., Higashihara, Zama-City, Kanagawa-Pref, Japan.
Background:
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (M16V) is a probiotic bacterial strain with a long tradition of use in neonatal intensive care units in some countries. Previous study showed that the effects of M16V administration on gene expression were greater during the weaning period than in the neonatal period and were greater in the colon than in the small intestine and spleen, suggesting that M16V has anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of inflammation during the weaning period and the effects of M16V on normal and inflammatory conditions.
Methods:
From postnatal day (PD) 21 to 34, weanling rats were administered of 2.5 × 10(9) of M16V daily, and colitis was induced by administration of 2% dextran sulfate sodium from PD28 to 35. Colitis severity, immune function, and microbiota were investigated.
Results:
Colitis caused a reduction in body weight gain, colon shortening, poor nutritional status, anemia, changes in blood and spleen lymphocyte populations, spleen T-cell malfunctions, and alterations in colon microbiota. M16V administration improved some but not all of the changes induced by colitis.
Conclusion:
M16V could suppress inflammation and, therefore, can be considered a safe strain to use not only during the neonatal period but also the weaning period.
Insights
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (M16V) probiotic administration during weaning improved some colitis-induced changes in rats. This suggests M16V is safe for neonatal and weaning periods, offering anti-inflammatory benefits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Bifidobacterium breve M-16V (M16V) is a probiotic with established use in neonatal care.
- Previous research indicated M16V exerts greater effects during weaning and in the colon, suggesting anti-inflammatory properties.
- This study investigates M16V's impact on inflammation during the critical weaning period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of inflammation during the weaning period in rats.
- To assess the efficacy of M16V in mitigating inflammation and its consequences.
- To determine the safety and anti-inflammatory potential of M16V in weanling rats.
Main Methods:
- Weanling rats received daily M16V (2.5 × 10^9 CFU) from postnatal day 21 to 34.
- Colitis was induced using 2% dextran sulfate sodium from postnatal day 28 to 35.
- Colitis severity, immune function, and gut microbiota were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Colitis induced weight loss, colon shortening, anemia, and immune cell dysfunction.
- M16V administration partially ameliorated colitis-induced effects.
- Alterations in colon microbiota composition were observed in colitis and M16V-treated groups.
Conclusions:
- Bifidobacterium breve M-16V demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties during the weaning period.
- M16V is a safe probiotic strain for both neonatal and weaning stages.
- Further research can explore M16V's role in managing inflammatory conditions in weanlings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:22Gut-Brain Axis