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Updated: Feb 19, 2026

A Model of Chronic Nutrient Infusion in the Rat
Published on: August 14, 2013
The microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid improves glucose metabolism in rats, but does not affect behaviour
Anders Abildgaard1,2, Betina Elfving1, Marianne Hokland3
1a Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit , Aarhus University , Risskov , Denmark.
Context:
We have previously shown that an antidepressant-like effect of probiotics in rats was associated with a higher plasma level of the microbial tryptophan metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA).
Objective:
We therefore wanted to study the isolated effect of IPA on behaviour and glucose metabolism in rats.
Methods:
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed control or IPA-enriched diet for six weeks (n = 12 per group) and assessed in the elevated plus maze, open field and forced swim test. Blood glucose, metabolic hormones and the white blood cell (WBC) composition were analysed.
Results:
IPA (mean intake 27.3 mg/kg/day) significantly lowered fasting blood glucose level by 0.42 mM (95% CI 0.11-0.73). Similarly, fasting plasma insulin levels and the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index of insulin resistance were reduced, whereas plasma metabolic hormones, behaviour and WBC composition remained unaffected by IPA.
Conclusions:
Our findings highlight IPA as a promising candidate for treatment of metabolic disorders associated with insulin resistance.
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