The interplay between the intestinal microbiota and the brain.

Collins, Stephen M.; Surette, Michael; Bercik, Premysl

The intestinal microbiota consists of a vast bacterial community that resides primarily in the lower gut and lives in a symbiotic relationship with the host. A bidirectional neurohumoral communication system, known as the gut-brain axis, integrates the host gut and brain activities. Here, we describe the recent advances in our understanding of how the intestinal microbiota communicates with the brain via this axis to influence brain development and behaviour. We also review how this extended communication system might influence a broad spectrum of diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, psychiatric disorders and demyelinating conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

BRAIN; INTESTINAL infections; MULTIPLE sclerosis; IRRITABLE colon; PSYCHIATRY

Nature Reviews Microbiology, 2012, Vol 10, Issue 11, p735

1740-1526

Academic Journal

10.1038/nrmicro2876