Effect of roflumilast on clinical score and colon length. A. Mitigation of DSS-induced colitis by roflumilast.

<p>Mice were exposed to 3.5% DSS in drinking water for 11 days. Either 1 mg/kg/d roflumilast, 5 mg/kg/d roflumilast or 4% methocel were administered orally once daily for 11 days (n = 8). Non-DSS-treated mice received 5 mg/kg/d roflumilast (n = 8) or 4% methocel (n = 5). The degree of colitis was quantified by the clinical score assessing weight loss, stool consistency and rectal bleeding (range from 0 = healthy to 4 = maximal disease activity). Scores are depicted as mean ± SEM; *p<0.05, **p<0.01 versus DSS+methocel. <b>B. Effect of roflumilast on colon length shortening in DSS-induced colitis.</b> Mice were exposed to 3.5% DSS in drinking water for an 11 day period. Roflumilast treatment (either 1 mg/kg/d or 5 mg/kg/d orally, once daily for eleven days) or 4% methocel were started on the same day as DSS administration (n = 8). Non-DSS mice received 5 mg/kg/d roflumilast (n = 8) or 4% methocel (n = 5). Values are depicted as mean ± SEM. **p<0.01, ***p<0.001 versus DSS+methocel.