Collateral benefits of studying the vagus nerve in bioelectronic medicine

Valentin A Pavlov

doi:10.1186/s42234-019-0021-3

Abstract

Studies on the role of the vagus nerve in the regulation of immunity and inflammation have contributed to current preclinical and clinical efforts in bioelectronic medicine. In parallel, this research has generated new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the immunoregulatory functions of the vagus nerve within the inflammatory reflex. The vagus nerve and other cellular components of the inflammatory reflex are implicated in the regulation of bleeding, cancer, obesity, blood pressure, viral infections and other conditions. This collateral benefit broadens scientific horizons and provides new rationale for technological advances and therapeutic implications.

Highlights

The vagus nerve has an essential role as a conduit of information between the brain and the periphery and in maintaining physiological homeostasis and defense mechanisms
A very recent study utilizing selective optogenetic stimulation and advanced pharmacological approaches indicated a specific role for forebrain cholinergic signaling and M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the inhibition of peripheral inflammatory responses via vagus nerve signaling in murine endotoxemia (Lehner et al, 2019)
Improved understanding of the role of the vagus nerve in controlling inflammation and innovative applications of this knowledge led to current clinical developments in treating inflammatory and autoimmune diseases with implantable bioelectronics

Summary

Introduction

The vagus nerve has an essential role as a conduit of information between the brain and the periphery and in maintaining physiological homeostasis and defense mechanisms. The recent discovery of the role of the vagus nerve in the regulation of immunity and inflammation within the inflammatory reflex is a major contribution to this new information (Borovikova et al, 2000; Tracey, 2002).

Results

Conclusion