The serotonin system forms a widespread network within the central nervous system and plays a significant role in regulating mood and cognition. Manipulating tryptophan levels, either acutely or chronically, by depletion or supplementation, is an experimental procedure for modifying peripheral and central serotonin levels. These studies have allowed us to establish the role of serotonin in higher-order brain function and have led to the discovery that low levels of brain serotonin are associated with poor memory and depression. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional system between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, linking the emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with the peripheral functioning of the digestive tract. An influence of the gut microbiota on behavior is becoming increasingly evident.
Year: 2016
Nationality: Australia
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