Investigating the effect of mixed probiotics on the hippocampal tissue and stress hormone levels and BDNF gene expression in the first generation offsprings of male mice whose mothers received chronic immobility stress during pregnancy

Abstract

Introduction: simply put, probiotics are beneficial bacteria for our body and play an important role in chronic stress. They have an effect on the behavior of creatures and are transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. New research has confirmed the effect of probiotics on reducing stress. This study aimed to assess the effects of probiotics on pregnancy stress in first generation off springs in mice. Method: In this experimental study, 24 mice with a weight range of 28 to 38 g were identified and placed in 3 groups; normal, water, PRB(probiotic ). The probiotic group received immobility stress with probiotic gavage during pregnancy. The water group received saline-induced immobility stress during pregnancy, and the normal group received none stress and gavage. Each group consisted of 8 male offsprings. The elevated plus maze and hole board tests were carried out. The levels of BDNF gene expression in the brain of mice were measured. Serum corticosterone and ACTH levels were measured, then the hippocampus tissue in mice was examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: Behavioral tests showed that the open arm time among offsprings whose mothers had received probiotics during stress was greater than the other groups, which indicated a lower level of stress. Measurement of corticosterone and ACTH hormones in the serum of first generation neonates showed that the amount of hormones in the probiotic group was significantly reduced compared to the other two groups. The level of BDNF gene expression in the probiotic group was higher than in the water group and the number of dead hippocampal cells in the brain of the pro biotic group mice was less than the number of dead cells in the hippocampus of the water group mice. Discuss: Consumption of probiotics during pregnancy can reduce stress in first generation children, which was proven by behavioral tests and hormonal and tissue tests in the present study. Probiotics with antioxidant roles seem to reduce cellular inflammation and, by absorbing a variety of vitamins and neurotransmitter precursors, they play an important role in reducing stress in first generation off springs.