Gut-Brain Barrier | Strain Specific Research

In Vitro Breakdown of Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)

Bacteria have the ability to break down LPS with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Several bacterial strains have been shown to produce alkaline phosphatase in vitro, thus indicating differing capacities to breakdown LPS.

In Vitro Increased Trans Epithelial Electric Resistance (TEER)

After an inflammatory stressor, the TEER can be seen to decrease, indicating a reduction in gut barrier integrity (see 'with stressor control'). Bacterial strains exhibit differing capacities for modulating this response, as seen in the graph below, compared to controls.

In Vitro Reduction of Mast Cell Degranulation

Several strains are able to significantly reduce the secretion of β-hexosaminidase, which is an indicator of mast cell degranulation. Mast cells release proteases, which rearrange tight junctions, histamine, and inflammatory cytokines, all of which increase epithelial permeability.

Several strains have been shown to stimulate production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in vitro. The graph below shows that certain strains stimulate IL-10 production to levels 200 to 300% of the stimulated control.