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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
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Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
50.8K
Modulation of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Germ-Free Mice by Enterococcus faecalis Monocolonization
Beate Vestad1,2,3, Petra Hanzely1,2,3,4, Indrė Karaliūtė5
1Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery and Specialized Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
Microorganisms
|December 31, 2025
Summary
A specific gut bacterium, Enterococcus faecalis, had mixed effects on acute colitis in mice. This strain influenced some disease aspects but did not broadly alter overall severity, highlighting context-specific host-microbe interactions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), involve complex host-microbe interactions.
- Enterococcus faecalis, a common gut bacterium, has been linked to IBD development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a UC-derived E. faecalis strain on acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in germ-free mice.
- To analyze epithelial injury, inflammation markers, hematologic indices, and bacterial translocation.
Main Methods:
- Monocolonization of germ-free mice with a specific E. faecalis strain.
- Induction of acute colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).
- Assessment of disease activity, fecal markers, hematology, bacterial translocation, and histology.
Main Results:
- Monocolonization showed mixed effects, including increased disease activity and fecal albumin, but reduced anemia.
- E. faecalis translocated to mesenteric lymph nodes but did not disseminate systemically.
- Histology indicated slightly increased epithelial injury in colonized mice, with broadly similar inflammation patterns.
Conclusions:
- E. faecalis may selectively influence DSS-induced colitis in a strain- and context-dependent manner.
- Germ-free models are valuable for studying specific host-microbe interactions.
- Individual bacterial isolates can have heterogeneous effects on acute colitis.
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