An investigation of the effect of Bifidobacterium infantis on hippocampal interleukin-6 levels in a rodent model of hypoxia-ischemia following preterm birth

• Main Author: Blaney, Caitlin
• Other Authors: Ivanco, Tammy (Psychology)
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia; Probiotics; Rat model
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1993/31669

Inflammation has modulatory effects on the brain, particularly during development. These plastic changes can hold severe functional consequences. Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI)-induced inflammation can result in cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment. In an attempt to reduce inflammation in the brain, we assessed the probiotic Bifidobacterium (B.) infantis as an HI intervention, using a rat model. Rat pups, developmentally equivalent to preterm infants, were exposed to chronic hypoxia from postnatal (PND) 3 –PND 10. Inflammation was assessed through hippocampal concentrations of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). Tissue was collected from pups on PND 10 and analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results showed lower IL-6 concentrations in hypoxic groups , regardless of B. infantis administration. Qualitative observations suggested poor gut health in association with hypoxia and probiotic exposure. These preliminary findings support the chronic hypoxia exposure model of HI and suggest the association with IL-6 and HI events is less straightforward than expected. === October 2016