use of a rat-derived microflora of providing colonization resistance in SPF rats

• Published in: Laboratory animals (London) Vol. 24; no. 4; pp. 375 - 379
• Main Authors: Heidt, P.J, Koopman, J.P, Kennis, H.M, Logt, J.T.M. van den, Hectors, M.P.C, Nagengast, F.M, Timmermans, C.P.J, Groot, C.W. de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01-10-1990
• Subjects: Animals; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Cecum - microbiology; colonization; Germ-Free Life; germfree state; Ileum - microbiology; Intestines - microbiology; Mice; microorganisms; Rats; resistance; Species Specificity; specific pathogen-free animals; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; RATS; SPF; MICROFLORA; COLONIZATION RESISTANCE
• ISSN: 0023-6772; 1758-1117
• DOI: 10.1258/002367790780865903

To obtain a suitable species-specific microflora for a new rat SPF-unit, germ-free WAG/Rij rats were associated with a flora derived originally from selectively decontaminated Cpb: WU (Wistar) rats. Caecal and ileal contents of these rats had been cultured anaerobically (37 degrees C) for 7 days and harvested. This cultured flora was given to germ-free Cpb: SE (Swiss) mice, which were kept in an isolator system and acted as a source of the flora to associate germ-free Wag/rij rats. In these associated rats, several parameters indicative of the 'quality' of the intestinal microflora were investigated and compared to those in rats with a mouse derived anaerobic microflora. Parameters included relative caecal weight, colonization resistance and the concentration of faecal bile acids. The cultured rat-derived microflora normalized the observed intestinal parameters better than the mouse derived microflora, and provided better colonization resistance. We conclude that culturing of intestinal contents of selectively decontaminated animals can be a useful way to obtain a species-specific donor-microflora which can be used to start new SPF units.