Lipopolysaccharide-induced colitis in rabbits.

An experimental animal model of human ulcerative colitis using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was studied. Rabbits were skin-sensitized by LPS and challenged with intrarectal instillation of LPS after 1% formalin enema. The course of experimental colitis was followed by performing serial colonofiberscopic examinations and biopsy. Petechiae appeared from the 8th hour, and ulcers and bleeding on the 3rd day. Mild macroscopic changes continued for about 2 weeks. By repeating the LPS enema after the initial treatment, the colitis was maintained for over 1 month. Control groups without formalin enema revealed no macroscopic changes, and the groups with only formalin enema showed mild transient changes. The endotoxin level in the blood during the experiment increased (36 pg/ml) at 24 h after the treatment in the LPS-sensitized group, while non-sensitized control rabbits had higher levels of endotoxin. Though fibrinogen and PTT levels had increased at 24 and 72 h, these levels were marked in the control rabbits. The direct reaction of LPS was minimal, and local immune reaction by LPS seems to play an important role in the perpetuation of experimental colitis. Tissue fibrinolysis of the colon increased significantly as the mucosal damage appeared. This experimental colitis with LPS may be useful as a model of human ulcerative colitis.