Mucosal immunosuppression and epithelial barrier defects are key events in murine psychosocial stress-induced colitis

► 10 h of psychosocial stress cause local colonic immunosuppression mediated by adrenal hormones. ► 10 h of psychosocial stress result in a reduction of colonic barrier functions. ► 10 h of psychosocial stress cause proliferation and translocation of commensal bacteria. ► Translocation of comensal bacteria is causal for the initiation of stress-induced colitis. ► Immune-modulatory effect of adrenal hormones is essential for development of full blown colitis.