Can psychobiotics administration influence behavioral responses and physiological stress in healthy rats?

Background: There is a well-documented cross-talk between the gut and brain. Evidence accumulating to suggest beneficial effects of psychobiotics [prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics] on psychological distress in disease states. However, their role healthy status remains relatively unclear. Objectives: The present study was aimed clarify if could influence behavioral responses physiological stress rats. Methods: In experiment, 28 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (healthy treated by Lactobacillus plantarum (L.plantarum), inulin combination (synbiotic) control group). Then, administered intervention for 8 weeks. Behavioral tests (Morris water maze, Elevated plus Forced swimming test) performed at endpoint. serum brain levels superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serotonin measured. Results: Our finding indicated that unlike inulin, administration L.plantarum synbiotic ameliorate depression anxiety-like behavior cognitive performance (P<0.05). Serum oxidative markers significantly improved consumption. Intake led decreased hippocampus amygdala Moreover, significant increase hippocampal BDNF concentration observed after intake addition, there strong correlation with (P< 0.05). Conclusion: suggests therapy may have favorable amelioration disorders.