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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 2/2009

01-04-2009 | Commentary

Neuroimmune perspectives in sepsis

Authors: Luis Ulloa, Edwin A Deitch

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 2/2009

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Abstract

Physiologic anti-inflammatory mechanisms are selected by evolution to control the immune system and to prevent infectious and inflammatory disorders. Central-acting α2-agonists attenuate systemic inflammation and improve survival in experimental sepsis. This anti-inflammatory and therapeutic mechanism of central sympatholytics appears to be mediated by an unexpected vagomimetic potential of the α2-agonists to activate the vagus nerve. Recent studies, however, rule out a cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanism based on a direct cholinergic interaction between the vagus nerve and the immune system. Since the nervous system is the principal regulator of the immune system, physiologic studies understanding the neuroimmune connections can provide major advantages to design novel therapeutic strategies for sepsis.
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Metadata
Title
Neuroimmune perspectives in sepsis
Authors
Luis Ulloa
Edwin A Deitch
Publication date
01-04-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 2/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/cc7758

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