Piroxicam accelerates development of colitis in T-cell receptor α chain-deficient mice

T-cell receptor α chain (TCR·α)-deficient mice spontaneously develop colitis that resembles human ulcerative colitis; however, the incidence varies among individuals and takes place lately in the life. We have demonstrated that piroxicam induces colitis in non-colitic TCR·α-deficient mice, but not wild-type mice, within 14 days. The histological features and cytokine profiles were similar to those seen in spontaneous colitis in TCR·α-deficient mice. Dexamethasone prevented piroxicam-induced colitis concurrent with the suppression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor α and interferon γ. This modified model of colitis could be useful for the evaluation of potential therapeutics for ulcerative colitis.