Influence of gut microbiota on neuropsychiatric disorders

Table 1 Preclinical evidences of the role of gut microbiota on behavior

Germ-free (GF) mice have shown impaired social behavior[39]

GF mice have displayed exaggerated stress response[21] and differences in anxiety-like behavior[22,23]

GF mice have showed crucial changes in multiple neurotransmitters and their receptors in different brain regions[23]

GF animals have exhibited an impaired neurogenesis[25] and structural and functional changes in the amygdala[26]

GF mice have shown prefrontal cortical hypermyelination[27]

Microglial function impaired in GF animals is rescued by the oral treatment with short chain fatty acids[11]

Gut microbiota has been shown to modulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor, oxytocin and vasopressin brain levels[20]

Different probiotic preparations for administration to rats and mice have shown to achieve a reduction in anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors[6,58]