This axis describes the bidirectional biochemical communication system linking the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system, profoundly influencing mood, satiety, and overall endocrine regulation. It involves the vagus nerve, immune mediators, and circulating gut-derived hormones. Clinical assessment requires understanding how dysbiosis can disrupt neuroendocrine signaling.
Origin
The concept emerged from observing the profound impact of gastrointestinal health on psychological states, linking the ‘brain’ (central processing) and the ‘gut’ (the secondary brain) via chemical messengers. Hormones like ghrelin and GLP-1 are key components of this integrated regulatory network. Its modern application is central to understanding metabolic and behavioral endocrinology.
Mechanism
Communication flows via afferent neural pathways and the release of gut peptides that act on hypothalamic nuclei controlling appetite and stress response. Conversely, central nervous system activity, especially stress, can alter gut motility and microbiota composition, affecting local hormone production. Restoring this axis involves optimizing both neural input and the hormonal output from the enteroendocrine cells.
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