Table 2.

Mechanisms by which stroke leads to infection, inflammation, and gut dysbiosis

Condition	Mechanisms
Infection and inflammation	• Activation of adrenergic system through the HPA axis leading to a surge of glucocorticoids and catecholamines • Immunosuppression and lymphopenia • Antigen-dependent autoimmunity
Gut dysbiosis	• Catecholaminergic surge • ↑Intestinal permeability • ↑Intestinal dysmotility • Overgrowth of intestinal bacteria

Abbreviations: HPA, hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis