MP Biomedicals Dextran sulfate sodium salt, colitis grade (36,000 - 50,000)

Product Description

 Dextran sulfate sodium salt, or DSS, is a synthetic sulfated branched polysaccharide derivative of dextran that has multiple uses in biomedical and clinical research (see table). One important property of DSS is to triggers colitis in mice and rats when administered in drinking water. DSS binds to medium-chain-length fatty acids in the colon and induces intestinal inflammation. MP Premium Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (MW = 36,000–50,000) from MP Biomedicals is one of the most widely used product based on peer reviewed scientific publications. Over the past 15 years 3,000+ scientific publications have cited the use of our DSS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.         Q: How to prepare DSS solution for inducing colitis animal models?

            A: Prepare DSS solution with sterile water and refer to our application guide for detailed with concentration. 0.22 µm filtration is always recommended prior to use.

2.         Q: What are the critical parameters for successfully induce colitis animal models?

            A: The molecular weight of DSS, concentration of DSS solution, type and strains of animals and type of diets provided to the animals.

3.         Q: What is the administration route of DSS solution?

            A: DSS solution can be administrated by oral intake such, drinking freely or intragastric administration.

4.         Q: Any conditions we need to pay attention to when inducing colitis animal models?

            A: 1) Prepare DSS solution with sterile water and refer to our application guide for detailed w/v concentration. 0.22 µm filtration is always recommended prior to use.

            2) Change with freshly prepared DSS solution every 1-2 days.

            3) In order to clearly observe model development, adequate housing need to be provided, 2-3 per cage is recommended and no more than 5 per cage at maximum.

            4) Making the habitat conditions consistent across all animals.

5.         Q: What would be the estimated volume of water consumption for mouse and rat?

            A: 7-10 ml per day for per mouse and 11 ml per day per 100 g bodyweight per rat.

6.         Q: Does the molecular weight affect the result of colitis model creation?

            A: Yes. 36,000-50,000 is the best molecular range of DSS for colitis model creation. Low molecular weight DSS has weaker inflammatory effect and it will be difficult to be absorbed if molecular weight is higher. 

7.         Q: Why I need to use different concentration of DSS solution every time I have a new lot of DSS?

            A: DSS is a polymer, the range of molecular weight is only indicating an average value. Molecular weight varies from lot to lot but within the optimum range. Buying enough DSS within the same lot is always recommended or having a pre-test, before switching lots.

8.         Q: Why there is no significant symptom has been observed after administrating 3% DSS to mice after 3 days?

             A: Each individual animal is different level of tolerance to DSS. Noticeable bodyweight decrease can be observed as late as 5 days after DSS administration. If after 7 days of administration without any changes, please increase DSS concentration or contact us.

 9.        Q: Intestinal bleeding is observed after creation of colitis model, is it normal?

            A: High concentration DSS solution can cause intestinal bleeding, it is normal if the bleeding is in a controllable scale. Lower DSS concentration can significantly relief the bleeding.

10.       Q: Bodyweight decreases significantly but no, or only mild pathological symptom showed according to H&E staining.

            A: Bodyweight dropping is only indicating DSS is taking effect but cannot be considered as the sign of establishment of the model. Only when DSS intake reach a certain level, it will show the pathological symptom.

11.       Q: Why phase 2 induction of chronic colitis is always slower than phase 1 even with the same concentration of DSS.

            A: DSS tolerance level will be increased after phase 1 induction, slower or milder symptom built up is common. Increase DSS concentration accordingly can resolve the issue.

12.       Q: Can DSS be used on zebra fish for colitis model creation?

            A: Yes.

13.       Q: What is the difference between colitis model created by DSS and TNBS?

            A: DSS induces ulcerative colitis, and TNBS induces Crohn's disease.

Application Notes

Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) is one of the most common and effective compounds used for inducing ulcerative colitis. The DSS colitis model has also been used extensively to study colon cancer developing in relation to colonic inflammation, such as that occurring in patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis.

MP Biomedicals offers the gold standard of colitis model creation reagents - colitis grade dextran sulfate sodium salt (36,000-50,000) and colonic carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM).

Because of its high efficacy, MP Biomedical DSS (Figure 1) is one of the most widely used DSS products in the scientific literature. Over the past 15 years more than 8,000 scientific publications have cited the use of MP Biomedicals’ DSS products.

Usage Statement

Research Use Only (RUO). Unless otherwise stated in our catalog or other company documentation accompanying the product(s), our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals

Key Applications

Colitis, Antilipemic

Critical parameters and key factors in applications utilizing DSS for colitis research are discussed in an article in Current Protocols in Immunology: "The successful and reproducible induction of DSS-induced colitis depends on numerous key factors, including DSS source, lot #, molecular weight, concentration, duration, mouse strain, source, age, gender and body weight as well as environmental factors including the hygienic condition of the vivarium1. If high mortality is observed, suggesting high susceptibility to DSS, a decreased dose of DSS should be adopted. If no or weak colitis is observed, suggesting low susceptibility, and increase in DSS concentration/and or duration should be considered."

Nell S, Suerbaum S, Josenhans C. The impact of the microbiota on the pathogenesis of IBD: lessons from mouse infection models. Nature reviews. Microbiology. 2010;8:564-577.