Evaluation of Prolonged Exposure to Pre- and Probiotics in an Avian Model of Treatment-Resistant Depression

Recent research suggests a link between major depressive disorder (MDD) and changes to the gut microbiome. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the potential antidepressant effects of probiotics in a model of treatment-resistant depression. Animals will receive either untreated water or water containing probiotics for 14 days. On days 10 and 14, animals will be exposed to an isolation stressor for 90 minutes. Distress vocalizations will be recorded and analyzed to detect group differences. We hypothesize the probiotic treated group will display elevated vocalization rates indicative of an antidepressant effect.