Immunomodulation by the vagus nerve as new treatment for postoperative ileus.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is a common clinical condition arising after almost every abdominal surgical procedure. It is characterized by impaired contractile activity of the intestine, leading to nausea and vomiting, inability to defecate and prolonged hospitalization. Recent findings on the underlying pathophysiology have identified intestinal inflammation triggered by handling of the intestine as the main mechanism involved in POI. We recently found that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve leads to a reduction in inflammatory markers and improves POI. This so-called cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, mediated by the vagus nerve, is a new mechanism by which the immune system is controlled and excessive inflammation and tissue damage is prevented. How exactly the vagus nerve exerts this anti-inflammatory effect in the gut remains unclear. Therefore, the present project will explore the target cells of the vagus nerve, focusing on resident macrophages and mast cells. In addition, the potency of pharmacological activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to treat POI will be evaluated. The knowledge acquired with this project will provide more insight in the pathophysiology of POI and has the potential to discover new therapeutic targets to modulate intestinal inflammation.

Keywords:Postoperative ileus, Vagus nerve, Inflammation, Neuro-immune interaction Gastrointestina, Immune system

Disciplines:Laboratory medicine, Palliative care and end-of-life care, Regenerative medicine, Other basic sciences, Other health sciences, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Other translational sciences, Other medical and health sciences