Abstract
Stress can cause a variety of central nervous system disorders, which are critically mediated by the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system in various brain structures. GABAergic neurons have different subsets, some of which coexpress certain neuropeptides that can be found in the digestive system. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the gut-brain axis, which is primarily regulated by the vagus nerve, is involved in stress, suggesting a communication between the “gut-vagus-brain” pathway and the GABAergic neuronal system. Here, we first summarize the evidence that the GABAergic system plays an essential role in stress responses. In addition, we review the effects of stress on different brain regions and GABAergic neuron subpopulations, including somatostatin, parvalbumin, ionotropic serotonin receptor 5-HT3a, cholecystokinin, neuropeptide Y, and vasoactive intestinal peptide, with regard to signaling events, behavioral changes, and pathobiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Finally, we discuss the gut-brain bidirectional communications and the connection of the GABAergic system and the gut-vagus-brain pathway.
Highlights
Stress is associated with various effects and mental disorders
Growing evidence has shown that gut-brain signals influence emotional behaviors [14,15,16], and the gut-brain axis may be a possible target for treating stress-related disorders [17]
We focus on how the GABAergic system impacts the gut-brain interaction in order to mediate stress-related disorders
Summary
Stress is associated with various effects and mental disorders. Responses to stress vary from diet alteration to movement and sleep changes. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a typical mental disorder, is often accompanied by depression and anxiety [1] Chronic stress exposure, such as life stress (interpersonal loss, physical danger, humiliation, entrapment, role change/disruption, etc.), increases depressive response and anxiety, and even triggers suicide in extreme cases [2,3,4,5]. Both acute and chronic stressinduced mental problems are associated with the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system [6,7,8,9]. We focus on how the GABAergic system impacts the gut-brain interaction in order to mediate stress-related disorders
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