IMR Press / FBL / Volume 25 / Issue 2 / DOI: 10.2741/4810

Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark (FBL) is published by IMR Press from Volume 26 Issue 5 (2021). Previous articles were published by another publisher on a subscription basis, and they are hosted by IMR Press on imrpress.com as a courtesy and upon agreement with Frontiers in Bioscience.

Review
The neurobehavioral implications of the brain and microbiota interaction
Show Less
1 Behavioral Neuroscience/Neuropharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
2 Behavioral Neuroscience/Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
3 Molecular Bacteriology Unit, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
Send correspondence to: Adejoke Y. Onaolapo, Behavioural Neuroscience/Neurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, Tel:2348062240434, E-mail: ayonaolapo@lautech.edu.ng
Front. Biosci. (Landmark Ed) 2020, 25(2), 363–397; https://doi.org/10.2741/4810
Published: 1 January 2020
Abstract

In the past, microorganisms were not considered to be particularly important in brain development and functioning. However, recent evidence shows the existence of a bidirectional, and possibly multidimensional relationship between the body microbiota and the brain. The microbiota influence brain behavior in health or disease, by utilizing endocrine, neurocrine and immunologic signaling pathways. Also, the chemical mediators involved range from known neurotransmitters to small peptide molecules. Here, we discuss the evidence that currently exists in experimental animals and/or humans in support of the existence of a relationship involving the skin/gut microbiome, the brain, and behavior; and the mechanisms involved in such interactions. The implications of such interactions for shifts in behaviors, and the pathogenesis of behavioral and neurodegenerative disorders are also discussed. Finally, the possible clinical applications of deliberate manipulations of the microbiota composition and density for the management or prevention of behavioral and neurodegenerative disorders is discussed.

Keywords
Brain
Gastrointestinal tract
Neurobehavior
Skin
microbiota
Microbial colonies
Probiotics
Review
Figures
Figure 1
Share
Back to top