The Effect of GABA on the Gut Microbiota During Metabolic Stress

Abstract

The effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the gut microbiota was evaluated in experiments on 47 rats with metabolic stress (MS) induced by food deprivation. MS was found to be associated with changes in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the caecum microbiota, including the redistribution of opportunistic flora, the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as a decreased number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Daily administration of GABA at a dose of 70 mg/kg during MS led to a decrease in the number of pathogens, thus leading to the restoration of normal eubionts in the cecum.