Researchers have uncovered a significant link between stress in the brain and inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using animal models.
They identified that glial cells supporting neurons transmit these stress signals from the central nervous system straight to the GI tract's enteric nervous system.
This stress-induced inflammation can make the symptoms of IBD worse, a condition affecting around 1.5 million USA people.
How They Made the Discovery
In their investigation, mice with IBD seemed to have severe symptoms when subjected to stress, mirroring the same condition of people.
Their initial stress signals were tracked to the adrenal cortex, which releases glucocorticoids—steroid hormones responding to stress.
Neurons and glia in the enteric nervous system were found to react to prolonged elevated glucocorticoid levels, highlighting their role as a bridge between stress perception in your brain and intestinal inflammation.
Implications and Importance
The study results underscore the importance of conducting psychological evaluations in IBD patients to guide treatment strategies.
Furthermore, the research suggests that chronic stress may diminish the effectiveness of common IBD treatments like steroids.
Researchers also see potential for further exploration of enteric glial cells' biology and their involvement in various regulatory systems, including communication between the nervous system and the immune system.
