Dextran sulfate sodium salt (MW 36,000–50,000) is a medium molecular weight polyanionic dextran derivative with strong intestinal epithelial permeability. It is the most commonly used agent for inducing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models, effectively inducing both acute and chronic colitis. Its mechanism may involve macrophage dysfunction and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Due to its colonic epithelial toxicity, long-term use can also induce colorectal cancer models.

Method: To induce acute colitis, Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (MW 36,000-50,000) was administered via drinking water at a concentration of 2.8% (m/V) for 6 consecutive days (from day 0 to day 6).
Results: Compared with the control group, mice in the DSS-induced colitis group exhibited severe clinical symptoms, including significant weight loss, increased DAI scores, and shortened colon length. H&E staining of colon tissue sections from the DSS group revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet and epithelial cell loss, crypt abscesses, thickened and detached muscular layers, and a marked increase in ulcer formation. Additionally, histopathological analysis showed significant colonic tissue damage.