Increased persistence of avoidance behaviour and social deficits with L.rhamnosus JB-1 or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment following social defeat

Abstract

Chronic social defeat (CSD) in mice has been suggested as a model for studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our previous work indicated that exposure to Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 (JB-1) during CSD can attenuate subsequent behavioural and immune disruption, suggesting a potential for microbe based therapeutic approaches in PTSD. In the current study, we assessed the ability of JB-1 to mitigate the behavioral consequences of CSD when treatment is instigated in the early post-stress period and compared the probiotic effects with those of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline. JB-1 or sertraline were administered orally 48 h following 10-days of CSD in male C57BL/6 mice. Contrary to our hypothesis of a beneficial effect, 30 days of treatment with either JB-1 or sertraline increased the persistence of both aggressor avoidance and reduced sociability in defeated mice. This was accompanied by lower hippocampal mRNA expression for genes related to fear memory. Defeated mice treated with either JB-1 or sertraline also exhibited systemic immune changes, with a decrease in Th1 cells, activated monocytes, and the monocyte chemoattractant CCL2. This study identifies potentially detrimental effects of both JB-1 and sertraline if administered in the early post-trauma period and suggests caution should be applied when considering psychobiotic or SSRI based approaches for early intervention in trauma related psychiatric disorders.

Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 Promotes Intestinal Motility, Mucin Production, and Serotonin Signaling in Mice

“…Probiotic food supplementation can reduce stress-induced GI symptoms in volunteers [30], decrease depression scores, alter brain activity in patients with IBS [31], and improve symptoms associated with ASD and PD [8]. These probiotics that affect CNS-related functions and behaviors are classified as psychobiotics, including L. plantarum PS128, Bifidobacterium longum 1714 [32], B. longum NCC3001 [31], Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 [33], Lactobacillus helveticus R0052, and B. longum R0175 [30]. Although these psychobiotics have been suggested to regulate CNS-related functions through the gut-brain axis, their regulation in the intestine remains largely unknown.…”

Gut Microbiota Linked with Reduced Fear of Humans in Red Junglefowl Has Implications for Early Domestication

“…Furthermore, this bacterial genus has been repeatedly implicated in enhanced fear memory retention in mammals. [ 37–39 ] Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB‐1 , for example, has been associated with both aggressor avoidance behaviors as well as enhanced fear memory recall in mice. [ 37,38 ] These phenotypic changes in mice were accompanied by gene expression profiles in the brain related to fear memory, impaired fear extinction, and stress responses.…”

“…[ 37,38 ] These phenotypic changes in mice were accompanied by gene expression profiles in the brain related to fear memory, impaired fear extinction, and stress responses. [ 37,38 ]…”

A Microbiome-Driven Approach to Combating Depression During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Additionally, related studies have indicated that probiotic use reduced depressive symptoms and improved the functionality of both the HPA axis and was equivalent to treatment with the antidepressant Citalopram in murine studies ( 106 , 146 , 152 ). However, as with any emerging therapeutic option, some failed to achieve the desired effect, a result that has been reported in a number of studies ( 153 – 155 ).…”