HUMAN BRAIN NEUROCHEMISTRY AND SYMBIOTIC MICROFLORA: IMPLICATIONS FOR BIOPOLITICS
AbstractThe article is concerned with
the interrelationships between human brain neurochemistry, the microbial
inhabitants of the human organism, and human behavior in relation to politics.
It is emphasized that the human organism and its symbiotic microflora
constantly exchange chemical messages including neuromediators, e. g.
serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and histamine. The microflora is
responsive to alterations in the neuromediator levels of the host caused by
changes in the neuropsychological status that in part depend upon political
situation-related factors (e. g., stress caused by a war threat). Therefore,
the state of the microflora including its qualitative and quantitative
composition can be considered a novel somatic variable related to the political
situation and the political activities of the human individual involved. In
addition, microorganisms synthesize and release their own neuromediators and
their precursors that influence the operation of the brain, the
neuropsychological status, and, indirectly, human political activities and
views.