Lactobacillus reuteri prevents colitis by reducing P-selectin-associated leukocyte- and platelet-endothelial cell interactions.

Recent findings indicate that dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis is associated with a prothrombogenic phenotype, with P-selectin playing a major role in platelet recruitment. It has been suggested that probiotics may ameliorate colonic inflammation. We therefore investigated how treatment with Lactobacillus reuteri influenced P-selectin expression, leukocyte and platelet endothelial cell interactions, and colitis severity in DSS-treated rats. Rats were divided into the following four groups: nontreated, DSS treated (5% in drinking water for 9 days), L. reuteri, and L. reuteri and DSS treated. The rats were anesthetized with Inactin (120 mg/kg ip), and the dual radiolabeled monoclonal antibody technique was used to quantify P-selectin expression. Leukocyte-endothelial and platelet-endothelial cell interactions were studied in colonic venules with intravital microscopy. Colitis severity was assessed using a disease activity index. Disease activity index increased, as did the expression of P-selectin in the entire colon after DSS treatment, but both were reduced to control levels with L. reuteri pretreatment. The increased platelet- and leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions after DSS treatment were abolished by pretreatment with L. reuteri. L. reuteri protects against DSS-induced colitis in rats. The protection is associated with reduced P-selectin expression and a decrease in leukocyte- and platelet-endothelial cell interactions.