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Improvement of human faecal flora‐associated mouse model for evaluation of the functional foods
Author(s) -
Imaoka A.,
Setoyama H.,
Takagi A.,
Matsumoto S.,
Umesaki Y.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2004.02189.x
Subject(s) - biology , flora (microbiology) , segmented filamentous bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , feces , small intestine , gut flora , intraepithelial lymphocyte , bacteria , gastrointestinal tract , prebiotic , immune system , immunology , biochemistry , genetics , sewage treatment , activated sludge , engineering , waste management
Aims: Animal models are required for evaluation of the functional foods such as pro/prebiotics exerting effects through the metabolism of the intestinal microflora. The object of this study was to establish new human flora‐associated mice reflecting the environment of the human intestinal tract. Methods and Results: We inoculated a human faecal suspension into segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) monoassociated mice as a model system. In both human flora (HF) and SFB‐associated mouse (HF‐SFB mouse), intestinal characteristics such as the composition of intraepithelial lymphocytes, the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and the number of immunoglobulin A‐producing cells in the mucosa was closer to those of conventionally reared mice than was case with human flora‐associated mice (HF mice) lacking SFB. Several predominant bacterial groups except lactobacilli in human flora were found in faeces of HF‐SFB mice. Lactobacilli established small populations in the gut of HF‐SFB mice when administered before inoculation with the human flora. Faecal enzymatic activities and organic acid concentration of HF‐SFB mice proportionally reflected those of the donor subject. Conclusion: We established a new human flora‐associated mouse (HF‐SFB mouse), in which intestinal characteristics are normally developed and their major microbial composition reflect the human. Significance and Impact of the Study: HF‐SFB mice are a valuable model for studying pro/prebiotic effects on the human intestine.