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Small-Intestinal Manifestations of Dextran Sulfate Sodium Consumption in Rats and Assessment of the Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum BR11

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Abstract

The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis model has been utilized to screen for novel therapeutics for ulcerative colitis. Evidence suggests the small intestine may also be affected by DSS. We characterized the effects of DSS on the small intestine and assessed the potential for Lactobacillus fermentum BR11 to modify or normalize DSS-induced changes. Rats were allocated to three groups, Water + Vehicle, DSS + Vehicle, and DSS + L. fermentum BR11. BR11 was administered twice daily for 14 days. DSS (2%) was provided from days 7 to 14. Small-intestinal tissue was analyzed for sucrase activity, histology, and crypt cell proliferation. Increased ileum crypt depth and cell proliferation was observed in DSS-treated rats compared to controls (P < 0.05). BR11 normalized these parameters. While DSS predominantly induces colonic damage, minor morphological alterations were also detected in the distal small intestine. L. fermentum BR11 normalized these features.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Kerry Lymn, Roger Yazbeck, Lynn Scarman, and Katie Tooley for assistance with animal trials. Jane Chapman and Kelly Roberts assisted with image analysis. The authors would also like to acknowledge Betty Zacharakis and Esther Burt for analysis of breath samples by isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Associate Professor Gordon Howarth is supported by a Cancer Council South Australia Research Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Paediatric and Adolescent Gastroenterology, Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service, 72 King William Road, North Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Mark S. Geier, Cassie L. Smith, Ross N. Butler & Gordon S. Howarth

  2. Discipline of Physiology, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia

    Mark S. Geier, Cassie L. Smith, Ross N. Butler & Gordon S. Howarth

  3. Discipline of Agricultural and Animal Science, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Adelaide, SA, 5371, Australia

    Gordon S. Howarth

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  1. Mark S. Geier
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Correspondence to Gordon S. Howarth.

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Geier, M.S., Smith, C.L., Butler, R.N. et al. Small-Intestinal Manifestations of Dextran Sulfate Sodium Consumption in Rats and Assessment of the Effects of Lactobacillus fermentum BR11. Dig Dis Sci 54, 1222–1228 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0495-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-008-0495-4

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