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Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
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Dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis impairs dermal lymphatic function in mice
Germaine D Agollah1, Grace Wu1, Ho-Lan Peng1
1Germaine D Agollah, Grace Wu, Sunkuk Kwon, Center for Molecular Imaging, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 16, 2015
Summary
Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis causes systemic lymphatic alterations, including dilated dermal lymphatics and reduced contractile function. Near-infrared fluorescence imaging effectively monitors these inflammatory changes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Acute colitis, induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), is a model of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Lymphatic system dysfunction can contribute to inflammatory conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate systemic alterations in dermal lymphatic function and architecture during DSS-induced acute colitis.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered DSS to induce acute colitis, with disease activity monitored clinically and histologically.
- Mesenteric lymphatic changes were assessed using fluorescent tracers.
- Dermal lymphatic function and architecture were longitudinally characterized using dynamic near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging after indocyanine green (ICG) injection.
- Lymphatic contractile activity and dye clearance rates (Alexa680-bovine serum albumin) were quantified.
Main Results:
- DSS-treated mice exhibited clinical and histological signs of acute colitis.
- Impaired uptake of lipid tracers in mesenteric lymphatics was observed.
- Dilated dermal lymphatic vessels and significantly reduced lymphatic contractile function were detected in mice with acute colitis.
- Impaired lymphatic drainage was indicated by slower clearance of Alexa680-bovine serum albumin.
Conclusions:
- Acute colitis leads to both local and systemic alterations in lymphatic vessels.
- Functional NIRF imaging is a valuable noninvasive tool for monitoring systemic lymphatic changes during inflammation.
