The vagus nerve and the inflammatory reflex--linking immunity and metabolism
Valentin A Pavlov, Kevin J Tracey, Valentin A Pavlov, Kevin J Tracey
Abstract
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.
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![Figure 4](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/4082307/bin/nihms488460f4.jpg)
Source: PubMed