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Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
A single early-in-life antibiotic course increases susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis
Ceren Ozkul1,2, Victoria E Ruiz2,3, Thomas Battaglia2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Ankara, Turkey.
Background:
There is increasing evidence that the intestinal microbiota plays a crucial role in the maturation of the immune system and the prevention of diseases during childhood. Early-life short-course antibiotic use may affect the progression of subsequent disease conditions by changing both host microbiota and immunologic development. Epidemiologic studies provide evidence that early-life antibiotic exposures predispose to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods:
By using a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, we evaluated the effect on disease outcomes of early-life pulsed antibiotic treatment (PAT) using tylosin, a macrolide and amoxicillin, a beta-lactam. We evaluated microbiota effects at the 16S rRNA gene level, and intestinal T cells by flow cytometry. Antibiotic-perturbed or control microbiota were transferred to pups that then were challenged with DSS.
Results:
A single PAT course early-in-life exacerbated later DSS-induced colitis by both perturbing the microbial community and altering mucosal immune cell composition. By conventionalizing germ-free mice with either antibiotic-perturbed or control microbiota obtained 40 days after the challenge ended, we showed the transferrable and direct effect of the still-perturbed microbiota on colitis severity in the DSS model.
Conclusions:
The findings in this experimental model provide evidence that early-life microbiota perturbation may increase risk of colitis later in life.
Insights
Early-life antibiotic exposure can disrupt the gut microbiota, increasing the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) later in life. This study shows a direct link between perturbed microbiota and colitis severity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The gut microbiota is vital for immune system development and disease prevention in children.
- Early antibiotic use can alter microbiota and immune development, potentially increasing susceptibility to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of early-life pulsed antibiotic treatment (PAT) on the gut microbiota and its influence on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in a murine model.
Main Methods:
- Administered PAT using tylosin and amoxicillin to young mice.
- Analyzed microbial community composition (16S rRNA) and intestinal T cell populations.
- Transferred antibiotic-perturbed or control microbiota to germ-free mice, followed by DSS challenge.
Main Results:
- A single early-life PAT course worsened later DSS-induced colitis.
- Microbiota perturbation and altered mucosal immune cell composition were observed.
- Transfer of antibiotic-perturbed microbiota directly increased colitis severity in recipient mice.
Conclusions:
- Early-life perturbation of the gut microbiota can increase the risk of developing colitis later in life.
- The findings highlight the lasting impact of early antibiotic exposure on gut health and immune function.
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