Figure 2 The effect of maternal separation (MS) and probiotics on secretory state and macromolecular permeability. Colonic tissues from non‐separation (NS) and MS rat pups were studied in Ussing chambers to measure baseline short‐circuit current (Isc) (A) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) flux (B). MS caused significant increases in baseline Isc and HRP flux compared with NS controls. Administration of probiotics during the separation period significantly reduced these values, while having no effects in NS controls. Values indicate means (SE) (n = 10–15 rats/group); *p<0.05 compared with vehicle‐treated NS control rat pups, #p<0.05 compared with vehicle‐treated MS rat pups.