<em>In vivo</em> model of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis using benzalkonium chloride

BACKGROUND Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is a life-threatening complication of Hirschsprung’s disease. Studies using animal models on the pathogenesis HAEC are limited. Thus, this study aimed to establish rat model topical application 0.1% benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in sigmoid colon.&#x0D; METHODS 55 male Sprague Dawley rats aged 10−12 weeks old were separated into 11 groups. The control group (n = 5) was euthanized day-7, and other 10 groups 5 each group) treated with BAC colon for 15 min induce disease -10, -12, -14, -17, -19, -21, -23, -25, -28. excised, fixed formalin, sectioned histological examinations hematoxylin eosin staining. degree compared within all groups.&#x0D; RESULTS Rats that sacrificed day-7 -12 showed 1st or early HAEC, which most likely caused by application. 2nd occurred day-14 macrophage infiltration colon, thus fulfilled initial criteria (p 0.0025 versus control). increased time, highest found day-28 (p&lt;0.001 control).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS Topical successfully produced rats, after This provides useful resource further research HAEC.