- Title
- The gut-brain axis in neuropsychopathology
- Creator
- Hollins, Sharon L.; Bruce, Jessica; Keely, Simon; Hodgson, Deborah M.
- Relation
- Advances in Psychobiology p. 189-218
- Relation
- https://novapublishers.com/shop/advances-in-psychobiology
- Publisher
- Nova Science Publishers
- Resource Type
- book chapter
- Date
- 2018
- Description
- There is mounting evidence of a strong connection between the status of the intestinal environment and the function of the central nervous system (CNS). Research into gut-brain crosstalk has revealed a complex bidirectional relationship termed the 'gut-brain axis' (GBA). This bidirectional communication system existing between the brain and the gut has the ability to regulate enteric, systemic and central homeostasis via hormonal, neural and immune pathways. Evidence now suggests that a disruption in these pathways can result in abnormal gut, immune and neuronal functioning. While numerous mechanisms mediate cross-talk between the brain and the intestine, the most direct path is via the vagus nerve, which carries physiological information from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to the CNS, modulating gut function. It is not surprising therefore, that emotional factors can impact on GI function, with psychological factors implicated in both inflammatory and functional bowel disorders. A complicated communication network exists between the nervous and immune systems, with the GBA playing a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response. Altered immune responses can increase enteric cytokines, affecting gut function and leading to GI disease, and an increase in peripheral cytokines that can alter the blood brain barrier (BBB), leading to deviations in microglia and astrocyte functioning, cell proliferation, neuronal migration and synapse formation. All such alterations can have a marked effect on mood, emotion and cognitive functioning. Research shows altered GI functioning to be a comorbid factor with numerous psychopathologies, with altered immune responses now suggested to be a major contributing factor.
- Subject
- gut-brain axis; immune system; neuropsychopathology; central nervous system; gastrointestinal; cytokines
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1420060
- Identifier
- uon:37534
- Identifier
- ISBN:9781536134803
- Language
- eng
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