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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
Serotonin-Exacerbated DSS-Induced Colitis Is Associated with Increase in MMP-3 and MMP-9 Expression in the Mouse
Menglu Chen1, Lei Gao2, Pan Chen2
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Clinical Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China.
Abstract:
Background. 5-HT enhances dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis and is involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play roles in the process of intestinal inflammation. Aims. To examine whether 5-HT induces MMPs expression in mouse colon to enhance DSS-induced colitis. Materials and Methods. C57BL/6J (B6) mice were treated with either low-dose (1.0 mg/kg) or high-dose (2.0 mg/kg) 5-HT by enema, low-dose (1.0%) or high-dose (2.5%) DSS, or combined low-dose (1.0%) DSS and (1.0 mg/kg) 5-HT. Mouse colitis was analyzed. MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) mRNA were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in mouse colon and in human Caco-2 cells and neutrophils. MMP-3 and MMP-9 protein levels were quantified from immunohistochemistry (IHC) images of mouse colons. Results. 5-HT exacerbated DSS-induced colitis, low-dose 5-HT induces both MMP-3 and MMP-9, and high-dose 5-HT only increased MMP-3 mRNA expression in mouse colon. Mouse colon MMP-3 and MMP-9 protein levels were also elevated by 5-HT treatment. The MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA levels were increased in the inflamed colon. 5-HT induced MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA expression in Caco-2 and human neutrophils, respectively, in vitro. Conclusion. 5-HT induced MMP-3 and MMP-9 expression in mouse colon; these elevated MMPs may contribute to DSS-induced colitis.
Insights
Serotonin (5-HT) worsens dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by increasing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the colon. This study shows 5-HT upregulates MMP-3 and MMP-9, contributing to intestinal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Serotonin (5-HT) is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis.
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key mediators of intestinal inflammation.
- 5-HT is known to enhance dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if 5-HT induces MMP expression in the mouse colon.
- To determine the role of 5-HT-induced MMPs in exacerbating DSS-induced colitis.
Main Methods:
- Mice were treated with 5-HT and/or DSS via enema.
- Colitis severity was assessed.
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of MMPs and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) were quantified using real-time quantitative RT-PCR.
- Protein levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9 were analyzed via immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Main Results:
- 5-HT exacerbated DSS-induced colitis.
- Low-dose 5-HT increased both MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA; high-dose 5-HT increased MMP-3 mRNA in mouse colon.
- 5-HT treatment elevated MMP-3 and MMP-9 protein levels in the mouse colon.
- MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA levels were elevated in inflamed colons.
- In vitro, 5-HT induced MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA in Caco-2 cells and neutrophils, respectively.
Conclusions:
- 5-HT induces the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the mouse colon.
- Elevated MMP levels mediated by 5-HT may contribute to the severity of DSS-induced colitis.
- These findings highlight a potential therapeutic target for IBD.
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