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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:36
Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
Published on: January 27, 2019
Probiotic supplementation promotes bone development, immune maturation, and cognitive function in growing mice.
Mingjie Li1,2, Haiqin Chen1,2,3, Qing Zhang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.
Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L578, a probiotic, promotes bone growth, enhances immune function, and improves cognitive development in mice. This offers potential benefits for infant and child health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Early life is a critical period for bone, immune, and neurodevelopment.
- Probiotics may support healthy development during infancy and childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of four probiotic strains on bone growth, immune function, and cognitive function in a growing mouse model.
- To provide preclinical evidence for probiotic applications in supporting infant and child health.
Main Methods:
- Female BALB/c mouse pups were gavaged daily with four probiotic strains or saline from postnatal week 1 to week 5.
- Bone microarchitecture was assessed using micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry.
- Immune function was evaluated by measuring immunoglobulin and cytokine concentrations; cognitive function was assessed using behavioral tests.
Main Results:
- Lacticaseibacillus paracasei L578 increased femoral length and bone volume, while Bifidobacterium bifidum B11 improved cortical bone parameters.
- L. paracasei L578 upregulated bone formation markers and key osteogenic transcription factors.
- L. paracasei L578 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BAL531 increased colonic immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and interferon-γ, indicating immune regulation.
- L. paracasei L578 administration enhanced cognitive function, as evidenced by increased exploration in the open field and higher spontaneous alternation rates in the Y maze.
Conclusions:
- L. paracasei L578 significantly enhances bone formation, longitudinal growth, and bone mass.
- This probiotic strain also regulates mucosal humoral immunity and improves cognitive function.
- L. paracasei L578 shows promise as a probiotic for supporting developmental health.
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