Elucidation of influence of gut microbiota in early development on cognitive characteristics

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K17072
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52030:Psychiatry-related
• Research Institution: Tokai University
• Principal Investigator: Watanabe Natsuru 東海大学, 医学部, 助教 (60794120)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 無菌マウス / 腸内細菌叢 / 腸内細菌叢ー腸管ー脳軸 / 認知機能 / 行動特性 / 行動解析 / 発達特性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The present study investigated the impact of gut microbiota on mental and behavioral attributes, specifically focusing on cognitive function. BALB/c mice were stratified into two cohorts: the sterile group consisting of germ-free (GF) mice, and the experimental group comprising GF mice receiving oral administration of gut microbiota derived from pathogen-free mice (Ex-GF). Within a sterile environment, spontaneous alternation behavior was measured using a Y-maze task to assess short-term memory (i.e., spatial working memory). Our findings revealed no substantial disparities in short-term memory performance between GF and Ex-GF mice. These outcomes imply that while the gut microbiota may exert influence on impulsivity and aggression, its impact on cognitive function appears to be limited.

Free Research Field

精神医学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、腸内細菌叢による精神活動や行動への影響を、飼育や繁殖が容易ではない無菌マウスを使用して明らかにしたところに、学術的意義がある。我々の研究では、腸内細菌叢が宿主の不安や攻撃性に影響を与えることを解明した。本研究では、腸内細菌叢が影響する精神活動、行動特性、認知機能特性の細かなプロファイルを示唆した。この点は、腸内細菌叢の重要性を示唆し、重要な社会的意義を有する。