Mycobacterium vaccae is a type of bacteria that has the same effect on the brain as Prozac, a widely prescribed antidepressant. This bacteria is found naturally in soil and is able to increase the production of the chemical serotonin, which is responsible for making us happy. Low levels of serotonin have been linked with depression and anxiety. So, this bacteria may be the next big thing for treating depression and anxiety.
Next Big Thing For Depression and Anxiety
This soil-derived bacterium has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. Moreover, it promoted stress resilience in a “two-hit” stressor model. These findings suggest that repeated immunization with M. vaccae might prevent negative outcomes. The study evaluated male C57BL/6NCrl mice. Mice were administered biotelemetric recording devices on day -28 and received either a heat-killed preparation of M. vaccae or a vehicle containing borate-buffered saline.
The immune response to M. vaccae is modulated by its ability to reduce the levels of certain markers produced by microglia in the CNS mycobacterium vaccae probiotic. It also promotes the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor-b. In addition, peripheral immunization with M. vaccae reduces the number of pro-inflammatory T cells in the CNS. This may explain the reduced levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the brain.