Gut Microbiota and DTI Microstructural Brain Alterations in Rodents Due to Morphine Self-Administration.

The opioid epidemic is an evolving health crisis in need of interventions that target all domains of maladaptive changes due to chronic use and abuse. Opioids are known for their effects on the opioid and dopaminergic systems, in addition to neurocircuitry changes that mediate changes in behavior; however, new research lines are looking at complementary changes in the brain and gut. The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a bidirectional signaling process that permits feedback between the brain and gut and is altered in subjects with opioid use disorders.