A dysfunctional serotonin system is considered one of the main factors contributing to the development of depression. It has been hypothesized that the regulation of tryptophan (Trp) and serotonin may at least partially explain the effects of the microbiota on depressive behavior. We want to test this hypothesis: we examined depressive behavior and brain levels of serotonin and tryptophan (Trp) of germ free (GF) and specific pathogen free (SPF) mice in basal conditions or after Trp depletion (ATD). ATD increased the depressive behavior of GF but not of SPF together with less trp and serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.
Year: 2019
Nationality: Israel
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