The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex--linking immunity and metabolism.
Author: Pavlov VA1, Tracey KJ
Affiliation:
1Center for Biomedical Science, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA. vpavlov@nshs.edu
Conference/Journal: Nat Rev Endocrinol.
Date published: 2012 Dec
Other:
Volume ID: 8 , Issue ID: 12 , Pages: 743-54 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2012.189. , Word Count: 96
The vagus nerve has an important role in regulation of metabolic homeostasis, and efferent vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic signalling controls immune function and proinflammatory responses via the inflammatory reflex. Dysregulation of metabolism and immune function in obesity are associated with chronic inflammation, a critical step in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cholinergic mechanisms within the inflammatory reflex have, in the past 2 years, been implicated in attenuating obesity-related inflammation and metabolic complications. This knowledge has led to the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches in the treatment of obesity-related disorders.
PMID: 23169440 PMCID: PMC4082307 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2012.189
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