Journal of Shandong University (Health Sciences) ›› 2025, Vol. 63 ›› Issue (4): 1-9.doi: 10.6040/j.issn.1671-7554.0.2024.1315

• Nutrition, Gut Microbiota, and Associated Diseases •    

Effects of P2X7 receptor inhibitors on behaviour and gut microbiota in adolescent rats with post-traumatic stress disorder

XU Jingjing, WANG Xinqi, ZHANG Yang, XU Wangwang, GAO Jin   

  1. Department of Clinical Psychology, Qilu Hospital(Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, Shandong, China
  • Published:2025-04-08

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Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of the purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7(P2X7)receptor inhibitor on behaviour and gut microbiota in adolescent rats with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). Methods Three-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control group, model group, and inhibitor group. An animal model of PTSD was established using single prolonged stress and contextual fear conditioning. Following stress induction, early intervention was administered via intraperitoneal injection of the P2X7 receptor inhibitor Brilliant Blue G. Behavioural tests were conducted to assess the rats’ behaviour and metagenomic absolute quantification sequencing was employed to analyse alterations in the fecal microbiota. Results Compared to the model group, the P2X7 receptor inhibitor significantly reduced freezing time(P=0.049 9), increased the percentage of time spent in the open arms(P=0.004), increased both movement distance and time spent in the central area(P=0.001, P=0.003), and improved the accuracy of spontaneous alternation(P=0.008). Analysis of metagenomic absolute quantification sequencing revealed that the P2X7 receptor inhibitor increased the overall abundance of the gut microbiota(P=0.003), particularly the absolute abundances of Bacillota(P=0.002), Lachnospiraceae(P=0.006)and Oscillospiraceae(P=0.003). In addition, metabolic functions including lipid metabolism, biodegradation and metabolism of xenobiotics, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins were affected. Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the absolute abundances of the different microbiota and PTSD-like behaviour. Conclusion Early intervention with the P2X7 receptor inhibitor after stress exposure can significantly alleviate PTSD-like behaviour in adolescent rats. These effects may be related to modulation of the overall abundance, composition, and metabolic functions of the gut microbiota.

Key words: Purinergic ligand-gated ion channel 7 receptor inhibitor, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Adolescent, Gut microbiota, Metagenomic absolute quantification sequencing

CLC Number: 

  • R395
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