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Gut-Brain Axis

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Behavioral and Network Pharmacology-Based Analyses for the Traditional Mongolian Medicine Zadi-5 in a Rat Model of Depression

Behavioral and Network Pharmacology-Based Analyses for the Traditional Mongolian Medicine Zadi-5 in a Rat Model of Depression

Published on: February 24, 2023

Intestinal Flora Reconfiguration via Electroacupuncture: A Strategy to Counteract Depressive-Like Symptoms in Rats.

Yuhui Tan¹, Yuebei Wu¹, Zhuying Chen¹

¹School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, People's Republic of China.

Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

|March 11, 2026

Summary

Electroacupuncture (EA) may help alleviate depression by altering gut bacteria. This study found EA modulated the abundance of Akkermansia, potentially impacting the brain-gut axis.

Keywords:

Akkermansia brain-gut axis depression electroacupuncture gastrointestinal microbiome

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Published on: June 6, 2025

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Microbiology
Integrative Medicine

Background:

Depression is a significant global health issue.
Acupuncture, specifically electroacupuncture (EA), shows promise as a treatment.
The connection between gut microbiota and depression requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between electroacupuncture (EA) and depressive behaviors.
To examine how EA influences the intestinal microbiota composition in a rat model of depression.
To explore the potential role of the gut-brain axis in EA's antidepressant effects.

Main Methods:

Utilized 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to analyze gut microbiota.
Employed a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model in Sprague-Dawley rats.
Conducted behavioral analyses and microbiota sequencing on control, CUMS, and EA-treated groups.

Main Results:

Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment altered the intestinal microbiota community structure in CUMS rats.
EA modulated the abundance of the bacterium *Akkermansia*.
These changes suggest a potential link to gut-brain axis regulation, including stress and inflammation pathways.

Conclusions:

Electroacupuncture (EA) may exert antidepressant effects.
The modulation of *Akkermansia* abundance is a potential mechanism.
This highlights the role of the brain-gut axis in EA's therapeutic impact on depression.