Vagus nerve regulates the phagocytic and secretory activity of resident macrophages in the liver.

ABSTRACT: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors commensal microorganisms as well as invasive bacteria, toxins and other pathogens and, therefore, plays a pivotal barrier and immunological role against pathogenic agents. The vagus nerve is an important regulator of the GI tract-associated immune system, having profound effects on inflammatory responses. Among GI tract organs, the liver is a key site of immune surveillance, as it has a large population of resident macrophages and receives the blood drained from the guts through the hepatic portal circulation. Although it is widely accepted that the hepatic tissue is a major target for vagus nerve fibers, the role of this neural circuit in liver immune functions is still poorly understood. Herein we used in vivo imaging techniques, including confocal

SUBMITTER: Fonseca RC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7826199 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature