Rodent models of Helicobacter pylori infection and their utility

Abstract

Small animal models for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection have been widely examined and developed. Recently, the novel laboratory strain (the Sydney strain) of H. pylori, having a high ability to colonize the gastric mucosa of normal mice, was established. In the mice infected with the Sydney strain, chronic gastritis slowly develops, progressing to severe atrophy. The Sydney strain may become the standard one for experimental research. On the other hand, mice expressing Le^b antigen were genetically produced. H. pylori well colonizes the gastric mucosa of the transgenic mice, but the gastric pathology remains unclear. However, formation of gastric ulcers has not been observed in mice. In contrast, H. pylori chronically infects Mongolian gerbils and causes severe gastritis and gastric ulcers. The H. pylori-induced gastric ulcers do not heal spontaneously, but are cured by drugs. To examine H. pylori colonization in the gastric mucosa and eradication of the bacteria, mouse models are satisfactory. However, in the case of studies on H. pylori-associated gastric pathology, the Mongolian gerbil model is better. Although these models have both merits and demerits, they are useful for elucidation of the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated diseases and for development of drugs and therapies.