Accession Number:

ADA581486

Title:

Novel Probiotic Therapies for Autism

Descriptive Note:

Annual rept. 22 August 2011 -21 August 2012

Corporate Author:

CALIFORNIA INST OF TECH PASADENA

Personal Author(s):

• Patterson, Paul H.

Report Date:

2012-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

8.0

Abstract:

Although autism spectrum disorder ASD is defined by core behavioral impairments, gastrointestinal GI symptoms are commonly reported. Subsets of ASD individuals display dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, and some exhibit increased intestinal permeability. We demonstrate GI barrier defects in a mouse model of an important ASD risk factor, maternal immune activation MIA. Remarkably, oral treatment of MIA offspring with the human commensal Bacteroides fragilis corrects gut permeability and ameliorates defects in communicative, stereotypic, anxiety-like and sensorimotor behaviors. MIA offspring also display an altered serum metabolomic profile, and B. fragilis normalizes levels of several of the serum metabolites. These findings suggest a gut-microbiome-brain connection in autism, and identify a potential probiotic therapy for ASD.

Descriptors:

• *MENTAL DISORDERS
• BEHAVIOR
• GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
• IMMUNITY

Subject Categories:

• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE