Previously, we reported that changes induced in autonomic neurotransmission in rats by Lactobacillus brevis SBC8803 may be mediated by serotonin 3 (5-HT3) receptors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 on serotonin (5-HT) releasing from intestinal cells. In the in vitro study, L. brevis SBC8803 stimulated 5-HT release from cultured rat endocrine RIN-14B cells (SBC8803 vs. sterile water; P < 0.01). For in vivo study, 2 mg of heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 was administered using a stomach sonde (feeding needle) to C57BL/6J mice. Analysis of plasma by ELISA showed gradually increase in 5-HT concentrations (0 min vs. 60 min; P < 0.05). ELISA of ex vivo cultured intestinal loops composed of duodenum and part of the jejunum, from C3H/HeN and C57BL/6J male mice indicated that L. brevis SBC8803 effectively induced 5-HT release (SBC8803 vs. sterile water; P < 0.01). These experimental results suggest that heat-killed L. brevis SBC8803 may stimulate 5-HT release from mouse intestinal cells such as enterochromaffin cells.