Published online Feb 26, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i6.1251
Peer-review started: October 21, 2020
First decision: November 3, 2020
Revised: November 10, 2020
Accepted: December 22, 2020
Article in press: December 22, 2020
Published online: February 26, 2021
The incidence of cathartic colon has been increasing, but satisfactory treatments are still lacking. In order to study the pathological mechanisms of the disorder and identify effective treatment methods, researchers have established different animal models of cathartic colon. This minireview briefly summarizes several common cathartic colon animal models, induced with anthraquinone laxatives such as rhubarb, total anthraquinone, rhein, and emodin, or induced with diphenylmethane laxatives such as phenolphthalein. The advantages and limitations of these models are evaluated and analyzed. We hope that this review will facilitate the selection of suitable models and improve relevant modeling methods. We anticipate the development of more convenient and stable models that can reflect the characteristics of cathartic colon in humans, and serve as useful tools for further studies.
Core Tip: To our knowledge, this is the first review on various cathartic colon animal models. In this minireview, the experimental animals, agents, and methods frequently used to establish cathartic colon animal models are summarized for reference.