Species: Gerbil Strain/breeder: Harlan, USA              Sex: Male Age: 6-8 weeks Study type: Infection Treatment: Oral Animal status: Observation time 5 months Clinical findings: - Organ: Stomach Macroscopic finding(s): Fundic folds Staining: H&E (slide a), Immunhisto (slide b) Literature: Matsumoto S, Washizuka Y, Matsumoto Y, Tawara S, Ikeda F, Yokota Y, Karita M (1997) Induction of ulceration and severe gastritis in Mongolian gerbil by Helicobacter pylori infection. J Med Microbiol 46: 391-397

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Abstract

Aim of the study
To establish the Mongolian gerbil as an animal model for the Helicobacter (H.p.) infection and to show the histological alterations in the stomach of this species.

Materials & methods
Animals: About 130 gerbils derived from Harlan (USA) and Charles River (USA); infection age: 6-8 weeks. Helicobacter pylori strains: Sydney Strain one (SS1) and G1.1; injection route: 10^7-8 germs three times/week according to Lee; observation time: 4 hours up to 12 months; evidence of successful inoculation: Urease test, histology. Histological staining: HE; Genta stain (silver impregnation); immunohistochemistry: Polyclonal antibodies: Dako, Biogenesis; monclonal: Biogenex.

Results
In the antrum gastritis, lymphocytic aggregates, mucosal hyperplasia and glandular ectasia were found. This chronic inflammation was observed for the first time 4 weeks after inoculation and after that regularly. The grade of the gastritis increased with the duration of the infection, but on the other hand also varied considerably between the animals. The confirmation of infection was successful with polyclonal antibodies from two suppliers in almost all animals, from which sections of the pyloric zone were obtained. In most cases, only a small number of agents were detected, sometimes gathered in one gland only. No positive correlation between the grade of gastritis and the number of germs was detected. The more severe the gastritis the fewer the germs were detectable.