Alterations in microbiome composition and metabolic byproducts drive behavioral and transcriptional responses to morphine.

ABSTRACT: Recent evidence has demonstrated that the gut microbiome has marked effects on neuronal function and behavior. Disturbances to microbial populations within the gut have been linked to myriad models of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the role of the microbiome in substance use disorders remains understudied. Here we show that male mice with their gut microbiome depleted by nonabsorbable antibiotics (Abx) exhibit decreased formation of morphine conditioned place preference across a range of doses (2.5-15 mg/kg), have decreased locomotor sensitization to morphine, and demonstrate marked changes in gene expression within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in response to high-dose morphine (20 mg/kg × 7 days). Replacement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolites, which are reduced by microbio

SUBMITTER: Hofford RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8505488 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature