Communication Between the Gut and Brain and Its Microbial Community

Preclinical studies suggest that the gut microbiota may influence emotional behavior and stress response systems.

• Gut microbiota appears to play a role in the development of emotional behavior and stress- and pain-modulation systems based on rodent studies.
• Probiotics and antibiotics may alter gut microbiota and affect emotional and stress-related measures in adult animals.
• Multiple mechanisms, including hormonal and nerve signal pathways, may mediate gut microbiota-to-brain communication.
• The brain may influence gut microbiota composition and behavior through the autonomic nervous system.
• Current findings have limited applicability to healthy humans or those with gut or brain disorders.

Simplified