A Mouse Study Reveals Antibiotics Disrupt Social Brain Development

(Newswire.net — July 19, 2021) Orlando, FL —  Antibiotics are being widely studied nowadays due to their effects, good and bad. They are known widely to cause drug resistance, but there are other side effects scientists are looking into nowadays.

This includes one highlighted by a study published in BMC Neuroscience.

This research was carried out by Dr. Katerina Johnson and Dr. Philip Burnet.

In this mouse study, it has been found that antibiotic treatment in early life causes impediments in the brain signaling pathways that function in social behavior and regulation of pain.

Katerina Johnson is from the University’s Departments of Psychiatry and Experimental Psychology.

The investigators tried to see the impacts of disrupting the microbiome on the brain of the animal subjects. 

‘We know from previous research that animals missing microbes, such as germ-free animals (which are devoid of microbes) or antibiotic-treated animals (whose microbes are severely depleted), have impaired social behavior,’ she explains. 

‘I was therefore particularly interested in the effects of the microbiome on endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signaling since these neuropeptides play an important role in social and emotional behavior,’ adds Johnson.

It is important to note that it is in the young animals treated with antibiotics where the most striking finding was found.

It has been found there was a reduction in the expression of the receptors that mediate oxytocin, endorphin, and vasopressin signaling in the frontal cortex.

Dr. Johnson commented, ‘If these signaling pathways are less active, this may help explain the behavioral deficits seen in antibiotic-treated animals. Whilst this study was in animals given a potent antibiotic cocktail, this finding highlights the potential detrimental effects that antibiotic exposure may have on the brain when it’s still developing.’

This study underlines the increasing consensus that disruption of the microbiome during development may have significant effects on physiology, including the brain.

Antibiotics are widely investigated nowadays. These medications are popularly used by individuals who suffer from urinary tract infections. 

Experts say that while these medications are useful, it is important to keep in mind that they produce dangerous side effects. It is important to take some preventive measures against UTIs to reduce or eliminate the need for antibiotics.

This can be made through the use of formulas like Divine Bounty D-mannose. This amazing supplement continues to be a popular choice as it is highly potent and pure. It is widely resorted to due to its strong ability to combat UTIs.

Divine Bounty D-mannose may be helpful for those who do not want to experience the side effects of antibiotics.

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