Significantly augmented colitis in germ free recipients of MD-C feces.

<p>5-5 germ free male mice were gavaged with pooled cecal content (feces) from either prenatally MD supplemented animals (MD-C), or controls (C–C). After 5 days the animals were tested for colitis susceptibility by 5% DSS exposure in drinking water for 5 days. At day 8, the mice were euthanatized. Colonic length was measured and colonic tissue was examined histologically. (A) Weight loss upon 5% DSS challenge was significantly greater in the recipients of MD-C feces at days 6, 7, and 8 (*p<0.05). (B) The increased severity of colitis was also reflected by significant colonic length shortening in the recipients of MD-C feces (p=0.0099) compared to control. (C) A greater degree of tissue damage and inflammation (p=0.0028) was observed in the MD-C fecal recipients compared to the recipients of control stool. N=5.