Signalling cognition: the gut microbiota and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
National Health Laboratory Service · University of Cape Town · +4 more institutions
Abstract
Cognitive function in humans depends on the complex and interplay between multiple body systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The gut microbiota, which vastly outnumbers human cells and has a genetic potential that exceeds that of the human genome, plays a crucial role in this interplay. The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a bidirectional signalling pathway that operates through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. One of the major neuroendocrine systems responding to stress is the HPA axis which produces glucocorticoids such as cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents. Appropriate concentrations of cortisol are essential for normal neurodevelopment and…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 49.11
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 535
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
- Gut–brain axis
- Neuroscience
- Cognition
- Immune system
- Corticosterone
- Endocrine system
- Biology