Glossary

Hello! Incase you would like a quick review of some of the Neuroscience and/or Microbiology-related terms in these pages, this is the place!

Microbiome & Microbiota

Often the terms microbiome and microbiota are confused, athouth they refer to different aspects of the gut. Microbiome refers to the aggregated genetic material, the microbial communies and the genes, that reside in our gut. Microbiota refers to only the microorganisms, seperate from their genes. Gut flora and gut micrbiota refer to the microorganisms that reside in the gastrointestinal tract.

What are Germ-Free Mice?

Germ- free mice are mice maintained in a sterile environment without any exposure to microorgamisns, eliminating the postnatal colonization of the GI tract. This allows for the direct comparison with the conventionally colonized gut of specific-pathogen free mice (their counterparts). The use of GF mice allows for the examination of gut microbiota on host physiology, and how the loss of all gut microbiota affects CNS development.

What is Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) ?

A probiotic bacteria that is involved in the immune system and inflammation in rat models. In Experiment 2, Bravo et al., administered L. rhamnosus in mice to investigate the impact on brain connectivity, specifically stress-induced responses and GABAergic neurotransmission. They found the axiological effects of L.rhamnosus (JB-1) is mediated by the vagus pathway and parasympathetic processes. 

What do Anxiogenic and Anxiolytic mean?

Anxiogenic and anxiolytic are term used to describe behavioral effects and states of anxiety. Often an experimental or pharmaceutical intervention will induce either of these effects on the host. Anxiogenic refers to anxiety inducing, and anxiolytic anxiety dimming.