Immunity being Checked by Brain!

Mauricio Rosas-Ballina lead team has recently discovered the tremendous potential of brain in controlling the immune system of body. The team has found out a new anatomical path through which the brain and the spleen communicate,i.e.- through Vagus Nerve.

Spleen serves to produce macrophages. These macrophages as well evident are differentiated forms and specialized in serving an important role in immunity. They produce a cytokine called as Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF), which participates actively in producing inflammatory response.

When Vagus Nerve is stimulated, it decreases the TNF production. This inturn decreases the inflammatory response being evoked in infectious or auto-immune conditions. Actually, the Vagus Nerve is in intimate connection with Splenic Nerve and hence mediates the same action via latter.

The main significance that could be concentrated upon as a result of this study is that the severity of sepsis or septicemia could be kept under control. This would prevent the cytopathy of the body's own cells in cases of microbial infections.

Reference Link-
http://www.medindia.com/news/New-Insights-on-How-Immune-System-and-Brain...