CFP/Yit: An Inbred Mouse Strain with Slow Gastrointestinal Transit
Gaku Wagai1, Masao Togao2, Takashi Kurakawa2
1Yakult Central Institute, 5-11 Izumi, Kunitachi-Shi, Tokyo, 186-8650, Japan. gaku-wagai@yakult.co.jp.
Digestive Diseases and Sciences
|April 15, 2024
Summary
CFP mice exhibit significantly slower gastrointestinal transit (GIT) times compared to ICR mice. This novel mouse model offers a valuable tool for studying slow GIT and related functional disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Animal Models
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Gastrointestinal transit (GIT) is influenced by diet, genetics, and gut microbiota.
- Slow GIT can indicate functional disorders like constipation.
- Existing animal models often fail to accurately represent spontaneous slow GIT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the gastrointestinal transit (GIT) phenotype of the CFP/Yit (CFP) inbred mouse strain.
- To establish CFP mice as a potential model for studying slow GIT.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of GIT in female and male CFP mice versus Crl:CD1 (ICR) mice.
- Assessment using fluorescent-labeled dextran, feed intake, fecal output, and water content.
- Histopathological analysis of the colon and gut microbiota composition analysis.
Main Results:
- CFP mice showed a significantly longer whole-GIT time (6.0-fold) and colonic transit time (2.9-fold).
- Slower gastric and cecal transit observed in CFP mice.
- Lower feed intake and fecal output, with reduced fecal water content in CFP mice.
- No significant histopathological changes, but altered gut microbiota with a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio.
Conclusions:
- CFP mice demonstrate a clear slow transit phenotype across the stomach, cecum, and colon.
- This strain represents a novel and valuable model for investigating gastrointestinal physiology and diseases associated with slow transit.
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