Postinflammatory DSS mice exhibit no signs of macroscopic or microscopic inflammation. (A) Experimental protocol. Colitis was induced using 2.5% DSS for 5 days. Mice were allowed to recover for 3 weeks and then antibiotics (Abx) were administered in drinking water for 2 weeks before death. (B) DSS-treated animals initially lose weight but catch up to their control counterparts. Two-way analysis of variance, control (CT) vs DSS, ∗∗∗∗P < .0001; CT vs DSS + Abx, ++++P < .0001. Controls (CT): n = 12, DSS: n = 15, CT + Abx: n = 11, DSS + Abx: n = 10. Macroscopic inflammation was assessed by using colon thickness (C) and length (D). CT: n = 17, DSS: n = 20, CT + Abx and DSS+ Abx, n = 8. Microscopic inflammation was assessed by myeloperoxidase activity quantification (E) between control (n = 10) and DSS (n = 7) groups. DSS, dextran sulfate sodium.