Enteric nervous system, gut-brain connection and related neurodevelopmental disorders (Review paper)

Abstract

The vagus nerve is the primary neural medium which enables gastrointestinal tract and brain communication. Hippocampus, a region of the brain commonly linked to memory function, is activated by vagus nerve-mediated gastrointestinal signals. Vagal afferent information is received by the medial solitary nucleus and is then transmitted via ascending neural pathways to different regions of the forebrain and hindbrain. Explanation of the exact mechanisms of microbiota and amygdala communication requires further research. By linking microbial activities to progressive structural and functional events in the brain in mice models and in humans, we can suggest that intestinal microbiota is an important contributor to neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Further researches revealing these relations may provide new approaches for understanding neurodegenerative, psychiatric and behavioral diseases.

Keywords

• enteric nervous system
• gut-brain connection
• neurodegenerative disease
• vagus nerve

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