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Host microbiota modulates development of social preference in mice.


ABSTRACT:

Background

Mounting evidence indicates that the indigenous gut microbiota exerts long-lasting programming effects on brain function and behaviour.

Objective

In this study, we used the germ-free (GF) mouse model, devoid of any microbiota throughout development, to assess the influence of the indigenous microbiota on social preference and repetitive behaviours (e.g. self-grooming).

Methods and results

Using the three-chambered social approach task, we demonstrate that when adult GF mice were given a choice to spend time with a novel mouse or object, they spent significantly more time sniffing and interacting with the stimulus mouse compared to conventionally raised mice (specific pathogen-free, SPF). Time spent in repetitive self-grooming behaviour, however, did not differ between GF and SPF mice. Real-time PCR-based gene expression analysis of the amygdala, a key region that is part of the social brain network, revealed a significant reduction in the mRNA levels of total brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), BDNF exon I-, IV-, VI-, IX-containing transcripts, and NGFI-A (a signalling molecule downstream of BDNF) in GF mice compared to SPF mice.

Conclusion

These results suggest that differential regulation of BDNF exon transcripts in the amygdala by the indigenous microbes may contribute to the altered social development of GF mice.

SUBMITTER: Arentsen T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4683992 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Host microbiota modulates development of social preference in mice.

Arentsen Tim T   Raith Henrike H   Qian Yu Y   Forssberg Hans H   Diaz Heijtz Rochellys R  

Microbial ecology in health and disease 20151215


<h4>Background</h4>Mounting evidence indicates that the indigenous gut microbiota exerts long-lasting programming effects on brain function and behaviour.<h4>Objective</h4>In this study, we used the germ-free (GF) mouse model, devoid of any microbiota throughout development, to assess the influence of the indigenous microbiota on social preference and repetitive behaviours (e.g. self-grooming).<h4>Methods and results</h4>Using the three-chambered social approach task, we demonstrate that when ad  ...[more]

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2019-08-05 | GSE131785 | GEO