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Updated: Dec 8, 2025
A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
Ursodeoxycholic acid protects neonatal rats from necrotizing enterocolitis: a biochemical, histopathological, and
Ergün Sönmezgöz1, Sahin Takci2, Ali Gül1
1Department of Pediatrics, Gaziosmanpasa Universitesi, Tokat, Turkey.
Background:
The pathophysiology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) includes the massive production of endogenous cytokines with exaggerated activation of inflammatory pathways. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic agent. We investigated the possible protective effects of UDCA in a neonatal rat pup model of NEC.
Methods:
We randomly divided rat pups into three groups: a control group, a non-treated NEC group, and a UDCA-treated NEC group. We induced NEC by feeding formula enterally and via hypoxia/reoxygenation. Intestinal samples were collected for histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses.
Results:
UDCA significantly reduced the extents of terminal ileal and jejunal injuries compared to the NEC group (p < .01), reduced Bax and caspase-3 immunoreactivities (both p < .01), and lowered serum levels of platelet-activating factor and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (p < .01, p = .023, respectively).
Conclusions:
In a rat model of NEC, UDCA protects against adverse intestinal histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical changes. UDCA significantly reduces the effects of NEC on the rat pup intestine.
