Experimental colitis models
Date
2012
Authors
Hughes, P.
Brierley, S.
Castro Kraftchenko, J.
Harrington, A.
Blackshaw, L.
Editors
Szallasi, A.
Biro, T.
Biro, T.
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Book chapter
Citation
Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology: TRP Channels in Drug Discovery, Volume II, 2012 / Szallasi, A., Biro, T. (ed./s), vol.2, pp.379-390
Statement of Responsibility
Patrick A. Hughes, Stuart M. Brierley, Joel Castro, Andrea M. Harrington and L. Ashley Blackshaw
Conference Name
Abstract
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are life-threatening chronic and relapsing disorders of the immune system affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract. Despite the considerable efforts of many researchers, much remains to be learnt of their causes and appropriate treatment options. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis comprise the majority of clinical IBD cases but differ considerably in terms of clinical representation and likely underlying mechanisms. As such, different animal models have been developed over the last 20 years to best characterize these diseases. It is widely accepted that DSS-induced colitis models ulcerative colitis, while TNBS induced colitis models Crohn’s disease. More recently, these models have been extended to investigate the mechanisms underlying the reciprocal regulation of the neuro-immune axis, both in times of acute inflammation and post-inflammation, with the latter modeling aspects of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. We describe the methodology involved in setting up, maintenance and evaluation of these two models of colitis, both of which are simply and economically achieved in a standard laboratory environment.