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Low-dose penicillin in early life induces long-term changes in murine gut microbiota, brain cytokines and behavior

Sophie Leclercq1,2, Firoz M Mian1, Andrew M Stanisz1

  • 1McMaster Brain-Body Institute at St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 50 Charlton Avenue East T3304, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 4A6.

Nature Communications
|April 5, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Early antibiotic exposure in mice, even at low doses, can lead to lasting changes in gut bacteria, brain chemistry, and behavior, potentially increasing the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Microbiology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Growing evidence links early-life antibiotic exposure to increased risks of immune and metabolic diseases.
  • Rodent studies indicate high-dose antibiotics can alter brain neurochemistry and behavior long-term.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the long-term effects of low-dose penicillin administered during late pregnancy and early postnatal life on offspring in mice.
  • To explore potential protective effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 supplementation.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were administered low-dose penicillin during critical developmental periods.
  • Offspring were assessed for changes in gut microbiota, cytokine expression, blood-brain barrier integrity, and behavior.
  • The impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 supplementation was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Penicillin exposure resulted in persistent alterations to gut microbiota in both male and female offspring.
  • Increased cytokine expression in the frontal cortex, modified blood-brain barrier integrity, and behavioral changes were observed.
  • Antibiotic-treated mice displayed impaired anxiety-like and social behaviors, along with increased aggression.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose early-life penicillin exposure can induce long-lasting neurobiological and behavioral effects in mice.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between early antibiotic use and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders.
  • Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 may mitigate some of these adverse effects, highlighting the role of beneficial bacteria.

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