Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mouse Model

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse is a commonly used animal model for studying colitis (Okayasu et al., 1990; Meir et al., 2019). Twelve healthy male C57 mice (6–8 weeks, 17–23 g) were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed drinking water, and the test group was fed water with 2.5% DSS, for 7 days (labeled as days 1–7). Mice were monitored daily for body weight, rectal bleeding, and water consumption. After 4 days, the mice in the test group developed bloody stools and started losing weight. On day 7, the mice were anesthetized using 100% CO₂ and sacrificed through cervical dislocation. The lengths of the colons of the mice in the two groups were measured.