Effects of the Tryptophan-Producing Bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA114 on Gastrointestinal Motility and Depression-Related Behaviors in Mice
Pride, Norah
Pride, Norah
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Abstract
Disorders of gut-brain interaction are frequently associated with impaired gastrointestinal (GI) motility and anxiety/depression, yet available treatments remain limited. We previously have found that Bacillus subtilitis, a tryptophan (TRP) synthesizing bacteria, can modulate enteric serotonergic signaling and influence gut function after 2 weeks of daily gavage. In this study, we investigated whether chronic administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA114, a different TRP-producing bacterium, alters GI motility and behavior in mice. Adult mice underwent baseline assessments of colonic motility prior to treatment, followed by daily administration of HA114 over a three-week period. Motility assays were completed at the one- and two-week time points and compared to individual baseline values to assess treatment-induced changes. HA114 treatment resulted in a significant increase in colonic motility relative to baseline, indicating a robust prokinetic effect. To explore potential gut-brain interactions, mice underwent behavioral testing using the forced swim test and tail suspension test during the third week of treatment. Analysis of the behavioral outcomes is currently ongoing. At the conclusion of the experiment, intestinal tissue was harvested for subsequent quantification of tryptophan and related metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ongoing and future analyses will assess whether HA114-induced changes in colonic motility are associated with alterations in TRP availability and serotonergic signaling. In parallel, results from the behavioral assays will be used to determine whether microbial modulation of gut function is accompanied by changes in depression-like behaviors. Together, these studies will help clarify the biochemical and neurophysiological pathways linking microbial TRP metabolism to gut-brain communication.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Biological Sciences
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Life Science