Global InformationAltered Schaedler flora information
The altered Schaedler flora (ASF) is a community of eight bacterial species: two lactobacilli, one Bacteroides, one spiral bacterium of the Flexistipes genus, and four extremely oxygen sensitive (EOS) fusiform-shaped species.[1][2][3] The bacteria are selected for their dominance and persistence in the normal microflora of mice, and for their ability to be isolated and grown in laboratory settings. Germ-free animals, mainly mice, are colonized with ASF for the purpose of studying the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Intestinal mutualistic bacteria play an important role in affecting gene expression of the GI tract, immune responses, nutrient absorption, and pathogen resistance.[4] The standardized microbial cocktail enabled the controlled study of microbe and host interactions, role of microbes, pathogen effects, and intestinal immunity and disease association, such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Also, compared to germfree animals, ASF mice have fully developed immune system, resistance to opportunistic pathogens, and normal GI function and health, and are a great representation of normal mice.[2][3][5]
- ^ [Fox, J., Anderson, L., Loew, F. and Quimby F. Laboratory animal medicine. 2nd Ed. 2002. Academic Press. 46-47.]
- ^ a b [Fox, J., Barthold, S., Davisson, M., Newcomer, C., Quimby F. and Smith, A. The mouse in biomedical research. 2nd Ed. 2007. Elsevier, Inc. 227-229.]
- ^ a b [Dewhirst, F., Chien, C.-C., Paster, B., Ericson, R., Orcutt, R., Schauer, D., and Fox, J. Phylogeny of the defined murine microbiota: altered Schaedler flora. 1999. Appl. Environ, Microbiol. 65(8):3287.]
- ^ [Guarner, F., Malagelada, J. R. Review: gut flora in health and disease. 2003. The Lancet. 361(9356):512-219.]
- ^ [Fox, J., Anderson, L., Loew, F. and Quimby F. Laboratory animal medicine. 2nd Ed. 2002. Academic Press. 46-47.]