Vagus Nerve Attenuates Hepatocyte Apoptosis upon Ischemia-Reperfusion via alpha 7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor on Kupffer Cells in Mice

摘要

Background: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) injury is a complication of liver surgery. As much as 50% of hepatocytes undergo apoptosis within the first 24 h of reperfusion. The neurotransmitters of the vagus nerve can activate alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha 7nAChR) on macrophages. The function of Kupffer cells (KCs) determines HIR injury. We hypothesize that the vagus nerve could attenuate HIR-induced hepatocyte apoptosis by activating alpha 7nAChR on KCs.