Microbial-Mediated Changes in Social Behavior in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder

[Murph]

https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(18)31009-2

Mechanisms Underlying Microbial-Mediated Changes in Social Behavior in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Martina Sgritta
• Sean W. Dooling
• Shelly A. Buffington
• Michael B. Francis
• Robert A. Britton
• Mauro Costa-Mattioli 6

Published: December 3, 2018DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2018.11.018
Highlights

• •
  Treatment with L. reuteri rescues social deficits in several ASD mouse models
• •
  L. reuteri reverses social deficits via the vagus nerve
• •
  L. reuteri reverses social deficits even in germ-free mice
• •
  OXTR inhibition prevents L. reuteri’s effects on social behavior and VTA plasticity

https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(18)31009-2

 

[Murph]

It's only in mice but it's a cool study because the intervention is so simple - add one single strain of bacteria. I believe microbiologists were beginning to think everything was ecosystems and no single strain could really help so this is pretty amazing.

 

[lafarfelue]

Microbes are just fascinating. I love all this research and the evidence it's building.

L. reuteri is the strain that is being tested/used in probiotic allergy therapy, isn't it? I wonder if there are some 'super strains', so to speak, that play a keystone role in broader ecosystems or functions.

 

[Murph]

Microbes are just fascinating. I love all this research and the evidence it's building.

L. reuteri is the strain that is being tested/used in probiotic allergy therapy, isn't it? I wonder if there are some 'super strains', so to speak, that play a keystone role in broader ecosystems or functions.

Reuteri is one, B.Longum is one, and L.Rhamnosus is another:
https://www.mcri.edu.au/news/research-trial-shows-evidence-cure-may-be-possible-peanut-allergy

 

[Jackb23]

Does anyone know when the me/cfs fecal transplant studies will conclude or if they have started yet? Seems like an approach that if on the right track, could really bring some relief.