The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway
Pavlov VA, Tracey KJ
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · 2005
Key finding
Established that the efferent vagus nerve inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine release through acetylcholine signalling at alpha7 nicotinic receptors, defining the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
- Condition
- Inflammation
- Stimulation
- iVNS
- Evidence tier
- Narrative / Scoping Review
- Participants
- —
Cite this study
Pavlov, V. A., & Tracey, K. J. (2005). The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 19(6), 493-499. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2005.03.015
Related studies in Inflammation
Vagus nerve stimulation in autoimmune conditions: a systematic review
Lombo et al. · ACR Open Rheumatology · 2025 · Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis
No consistent evidence for the anti-inflammatory effect of vagus nerve stimulation in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Schiweck et al. · Brain, Behavior, and Immunity · 2024 · Systematic Review / Meta-Analysis
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation has no anti-inflammatory effect in diabetes
Okdahl et al. · Scientific Reports · 2024 · Randomised Controlled Trial
Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Stavrakis et al. · JACC. Clinical electrophysiology · 2024 · Randomised Controlled Trial
Summary by Vagus Research. Always consult the primary source for the authoritative record.