Figure 2. Induction of DSS colitis in Mdr2−/− mice with established cholestatic liver disease.
Ten-week-old WT and Mdr2−/− mice were subjected to 1.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) colitis or water control (diH2O) for 5 days and then allowed to recover. Tissues and sera were collected upon euthanasia on day 9. (A) Scheme of treatment. (B) Body weight curves over the course of DSS treatment and recovery. (C) Disease activity index (DAI) measured by combining weight loss, stool consistency, and bleeding. (D, E) Representative colon histology (H&E; 100X) and histological scores. (F) Colon length at time of euthanasia divided by baseline body weight. (G) Colonic barrier function in 10-week old mice was assessed by FITC-dextran gavage. (H) Colon tissue was homogenized, and cytokine protein levels were measured. n ≥ 10 mice per group. Data are expressed as means ± SEM. *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, two-way analysis of variance.