NEURAL MODULATION OF INFLAMMATION

*Mehnaaz Sameera Arifuddin1, K. Sai Krishna2, Mohammed Abdul Hannan Hazari 3, B. Dinesh Kumar4

*Mehnaaz Sameera Arifuddin1, K. Sai Krishna2, Mohammed Abdul Hannan Hazari 3, B. Dinesh Kumar4 1 M.D., Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad 2(M.B.B.S), Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad 3M.D., Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad 4Ph.D., National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad

Abstract

Background: In the present situation of emerging cases of drug allergies, auto-immune disorders and adverse reactions to anti-inflammatory drugs, there is a need to find an alternative for handling abnormal immune status which causes inflammatory storm. There is a growing need to exploit the nervous system for understanding the role played by neurons in the inflammatory process.

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the anti-inflammatory role of parasympathetic nervous system using Bethanechol chloride and to study the contribution of neurons in modulating inflammation using 2% Carrageenan.

Materials and methods: Thirty female Wistar (WNIN) rats were selected for this study. Twenty five WNIN rats, divided into five groups were selected for studying the anti-inflammatory activity of Bethanechol chloride. The remaining five rats were selected to elicit the inter-dependent natures of immune and nervous systems. 2% Carrageenan was injected in both the hind paws. In both the study protocols, increase in paw volume was measured using plethysmometer and subjected to calculations.

Results: A significant anti-inflammatory activity of Bethanechol chloride compared to control group was observed. In the other part of study, the right paw, in which Carrageenan re-constituted in Lidocaine was injected, showed nearly no signs of inflammation in the initial hours, while left paw injected with Carrageenan dissolved in distilled water presented with a typical Carrageenan-induced paw oedema. However, one to two hours later (which corresponds to the half-life of Lidocaine), the right paw also showed the same degree of oedema.

Conclusion: We conclude that Bethanechol chloride has anti-inflammatory activity at small doses, and therefore can be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders. This study also shows that immune system works in conjunction with the nervous system in modulating inflammation.

KEYWORDS: immune system, nervous system, inflammation, Bethanechol chloride, Carrageenan, Lidocaine