Customized TNBS/DNBS Colitis Models

2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) and dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) are contact sensitizers that cause T-cell-mediated transmural colitis following intrarectal injection of ethanol. The morphological and histopathological features of this model are extremely similar to those of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). TNBS/DNBS induces diffuse colonic inflammation, which is characterized by increased leukocyte infiltration, edema, and ulceration. The use of TNBS/DNBS has been reported to be associated with a major activation of the Th1-mediated immune response, as evidenced by a dense infiltration of localized CD4⁺T cells. Therefore, it is a very useful model and is widely used to study many aspects of intestinal inflammation, including cytokine secretion patterns, cell adhesion, and immunotherapy.

Fig. 1. Evaluation of the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model. Fig. 1. Evaluation of TNBS-induced colitis. (Komla et al., 2019)

Our TNBS/DNBS Colitis Models

Ace Therapeutics is one of the trusted leaders in preclinical IBD drug development. We offer customized TNBS/DNBS colitis models to help clients identify and characterize drugs candidates and test their effects on different IBD or other forms of intestinal mucosal inflammation.

From model selection and creation, experimental design, to data collection and analysis, our team of experts will guide you through the entire process to ensure reliable results.

TNBS/DNBS Colitis Modeling Methods

We dilute TNBS or DNBS in various concentrations of ethanol and inject it into the rectum of rodents to induce colitis. The dosage and volume of TNBS or DNBS solution, as well as the concentration of alcohol, can be adjusted according to the specific needs of the client to induce different degrees of IBD in the animal.

This model is associated with severe and sometimes bloody diarrhea, weight loss and thickening of the intestinal wall; however, symptoms vary depending on the type of rodent used and the timing, dose, and degree of exposure to the DNBS or TNBS used in the study.

Fig. 2. TNBS/DNBS colitis models.

Animal Species for TNBS/DNBS Modeling

Rats such as Sprague Dawley, Wistar rats
Mice such as SJL/J, BALB/C, C57BL/6 mice
Zebrafish, rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, and monkeys

Preclinical Evaluation in TNBS/DNBS Colitis Models

We offer the following endpoint measurements to validate the TNBS/DNBS colitis model or to help clients evaluate potential drug candidates.

General physical observation and Disease Activity Index (DAI) score: weight, water intake, fecal character and occult blood
Measurement of colon length and weight
Determination of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in colon
Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the colon
ELISA: serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, etc.
Intestinal bleeding and permeability
Endoscopy
PK/PD blood collection

Ace Therapeutics' TNBS/DNBS colitis model allows us to help clients understand intestinal fibrosis, study the immunology of IBD, and test the efficacy of new immunotherapies. We can customize different routes of administration and study endpoints for your IBD drug discovery program. Want to know more? Contact us and let one of our experts provide you with all the answers you need.

Reference

Komla, E., et al. (2019). Experimental colitis enhances the rate of antinociceptive tolerance to morphine via peripheral opioid receptors. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 370(3), 504-513.

! For research use only, not intended for any clinical use.