A mouse model for the study of necrotizing enterocolitis.

A mouse model for the study of necrotizing enterocolitis is presented. It is a model of temporary intestinal ischemia and consists of occluding both superior mesenteric vessels with a bulldog clamp for varying periods of time. The resultant lesions resemble the intestinal lesions seen in necrotizing enterocolitis in respect to the gradual development of the necrotizing lesions and their patchy distribution. We also studied the effect of intravenous saline and low molecular weight dextran in preventing the development of these ischemic lesions. In moderate ischemia, saline and dextran show a similar protective effect, and in severe ischemia, both show a protective effect, with dextran being more effective than saline.