Protective Role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probiotic in Reversing Cocaine-Induced Oxidative Stress, Glial Activation and Locomotion in Mice

In this study, groups of male C56BL6 mice were administered gut-resident commensal bacteriaL. rhamnosus probiotic (oral gavage) concurrently with cocaine (20  mg/kg, i.p.) or saline for 28 days and assessed for oxidative stress and cellular activation in both the gut and brain as well as alterations in locomotion behavior. Cocaine-induced gut dysregulation was associated with increased formation of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) adducts, increased expression of pERK-1/2, pNF-kB-p65 and antioxidant mediators (SOD1, GPx1). In cocaine administered mice, there was increased activation of both microglia and astrocytes in the striatum and cortex of the brain as shown by enhanced expression of CD11b and GFAP, respectively. Cocaine administration also resulted in increased locomotor activity in the open field test in these mice. Administration ofL. rhamnosus attenuated cocaine-induced gut oxidative stress and inflammation as well as glial activation and locomotion. These results suggest the potential of microbial-based interventions to attenuate cocaine-mediated behavioral responses and neuroinflammation, in addition to systemic inflammation and oxidative damage.Graphical Abstract

Source: Journal of NeuroImmune Pharmacology - October 9, 2021 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research