THE SECOND BRAIN

The ability of the microbiota of the gut to communicate with the brain and influence behaviour is an emerging topic of research.The enteric microbiota interacts with the host to form a relationship that governs homeostasis. Despite the unique enteric bacterial fingerprintof each individual there appears to be a certain balance that confers health benefits. A decrease in desirable bacteria therefore leads to a disturbed gastrointestinal, neuroendocrinal and immune relationship leading to a diseased condition. Studies are focussing on the impact of the microbiota on the host specially its effect on the brain.There are many studies which have demonstrated germ free mice displaying altered stress response, neurochemistry and anxiety in comparison to normal mice. Data obtained from such experiments show that modulation of enteric microbiota may be a useful strategy in stress related disorders, gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory bowel disease.