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[Rodent models of Helicobacter pylori infection and their utility]
1Department of Applied Pharmacology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
Abstract:
Small animal models for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection have been widely examined and developed. Recently, the novel laboratory strain (the Sydney strain) of H. pylori, having a high ability to colonize the gastric mucosa of normal mice, was established. In the mice infected with the Sydney strain, chronic gastritis slowly develops, progressing to severe atrophy. The Sydney strain may become the standard one for experimental research. On the other hand, mice expressing Leb antigen were genetically produced. H. pylori well colonizes the gastric mucosa of the transgenic mice, but the gastric pathology remains unclear. However, formation of gastric ulcers has not been observed in mice. In contrast, H. pylori chronically infects Mongolian gerbils and causes severe gastritis and gastric ulcers. The H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers do not heal spontaneously, but are cured by drugs. To examine H. pylori colonization in the gastric mucosa and eradication of the bacteria, mouse models are satisfactory. However, in the case of studies on H. pylori-associated gastric pathology, the Mongolian gerbil model is better. Although these models have both merits and demerits, they are useful for elucidation of the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated diseases and for development of drugs and therapies.
Insights
Small animal models for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are crucial for research. While mice are suitable for studying bacterial colonization and eradication, gerbils are better for investigating H. pylori-induced gastric pathology and ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Effective small animal models are essential for understanding H. pylori pathogenesis and developing treatments.
- Existing mouse models and newly developed strains offer varying capabilities for H. pylori research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of different small animal models for Helicobacter pylori infection research.
- To compare the utility of mouse models and Mongolian gerbils in studying H. pylori-associated gastric pathology and ulcer formation.
- To assess the potential of novel H. pylori strains and genetically modified mice in experimental settings.
Main Methods:
- Infection of normal mice with the Sydney strain of H. pylori, leading to chronic gastritis and atrophy.
- Colonization studies in transgenic mice expressing Leb antigen, with unclear pathology.
- Chronic infection of Mongolian gerbils, resulting in severe gastritis and gastric ulcers.
- Assessment of bacterial colonization, eradication, and pathological outcomes in different animal models.
Main Results:
- The Sydney strain of H. pylori effectively colonizes mouse gastric mucosa, inducing chronic gastritis and atrophy.
- H. pylori colonizes transgenic mice but does not cause gastric ulcers.
- Mongolian gerbils develop severe gastritis and non-healing gastric ulcers upon H. pylori infection.
- Mouse models are adequate for studying H. pylori colonization and eradication, while gerbils are superior for gastric pathology studies.
Conclusions:
- Both mouse and gerbil models have distinct advantages and limitations for H. pylori research.
- Mouse models are suitable for examining bacterial colonization and eradication strategies.
- Mongolian gerbils provide a more relevant model for studying H. pylori-associated gastric diseases, including ulcers.
- These models are valuable tools for elucidating H. pylori pathogenesis and advancing therapeutic development.