A nonsurgical cecal slurry model for neonatal sepsis: Pathophysiological insights and therapeutic applications

Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, experimental models that accurately reflect the clinical features of neonatal sepsis in preterm infants are limited. The cecal slurry (CS) model is a nonsurgical polymicrobial sepsis model that enables the controlled induction of sepsis in neonatal mice. In this review, we describe the technical details and advantages of the model, including its reproducibility, dose dependency, and applicability to neonatal pups corresponding to term and preterm infants. We also summarize recent applications of the CS model in evaluating potential therapies, such as heme oxygenase-1 inducers, recombinant thrombomodulin, and insulin. Furthermore, the model has been adapted for use in adult mice to investigate the long-term sequelae of sepsis, including lung and brain injuries. The CS model represents a valuable platform for studying both neonatal and adult sepsis, as well as for preclinical testing of novel interventions aimed at improving outcomes across the lifespan.