Gut bacteria translocation to the brain after ischaemic stroke occurs via the sympathetic nervous system

We provide evidence that stroke-induced gut breakdown results in bacteria translocation to the ischaemic mouse brain. Inhibition of sympathetic tone reduced bacterial load in the post-stroke brain and reduced functional deficits without altering cerebral apoptosis, neuroinflammation or infarct volume. These findings indicate that the activation of the sympathetic nervous system after stroke promotes gut-derived bacteria to enter to the brain, and this process worsens motor function in mice. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.