Figure 2:
Gut-brain axis interactions observed in Citrobacter rodentium-infected mice. During infection, CR can sense different host neurochemical signals (epinephrine [Epi]/norepinephrine [NE], serotonin and 2-arachidonoylglycerol [2-AG]) to regulate virulence gene expression and colonization of the gut. CR infection alters microbial composition and increases gut inflammation inducing gut dysbiosis. Alterations in inflammation and microbial composition have been related to changes in behavioral responses and brain pathologies. At the same time, stressful situations and brain disorders have been related to changes in gut physiology and microbiota composition which, in turn, affect CR colonization and disease.