Endocrine Abstracts

The gut microbiota contributes to postnatal development and maturation by influencing barrier functions of the intestinal wall, the development of the immune system, and the utilisation of nutrients. Recent studies have also implicated a role in the prenatal period since the maternal gut microbiota is altered during pregnancy with a potential role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and protection against preterm birth. Using as a model system germ-free mice that have nev...