Customized Poly I:C-Induced Intestinal Inflammation Models

Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) is a synthetic analog of viral dsRNA that induces the characteristic inflammatory response, such as loss of epithelial integrity, and increased production of mucus and inflammatory cytokines. Acting on the Toll-like receptors (TLRs), it leads to the activation of transcription factors such as NF-κB and IRF3, triggers the expression of inflammatory factors, and further induces severe mucosal injury as manifested by microscopic and biochemical changes in the villous of the small intestine.

Fig. 1. Induction of acute small intestinal injury by poly(I:C) or viral dsRNA. (Zhou et al., 2006)

Our Poly I:C-Induced Intestinal Inflammation Models

Ace Therapeutics has extensive experience in using poly(I:C) to induce intestinal inflammation and provides professional preclinical research services in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We induce intestinal inflammation by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of poly I:C in mice. The dose and exposure time of Poly I:C can be adjusted to induce different degrees of intestinal inflammation.

By simulating the process of small intestinal damage caused by viral infection, this model allows us to help our clients investigate the pathogenesis of IBD and evaluate the therapeutic potential of new drugs.

Preclinical Evaluation in Poly I:C-Induced Intestinal Inflammation Models

We offer the following assays to validate the Poly I:C-induced intestinal inflammation model or to help clients evaluate potential drug candidates.

• Disease activity assessment: Disease activity index (DAI) assessment by recording body weight, fecal characteristics, and fecal occult blood data throughout the course of the experiment.
• Assessment of colonic injury and inflammation: The entire colon (from the cecum to the anus) is resected to measure the length and the extent of tissue damage is assessed microscopically.
• Measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity.
• Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence: Detect the expression of inflammatory marker molecules (e.g. growth factors and interleukins).
• In vivo permeability assays: We perform in vivo permeability assays to assess barrier function through the FITC-labeled dextran method.
• Immune cell labeling assay:Detect changes in the number and proportion of different types of immune cells in intestinal tissue by labeling specific immune cell surface molecules.

Ace Therapeutics' poly I:C-induced intestinal inflammation model provides a valuable tool for studying the mechanisms of intestinal inflammation and evaluating potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IBD. We have professional laboratory animal facilities and advanced analytical methods, and are supported by an experienced research team. Contact us to learn more.