Modulation of Dental Inflammation by the Sympathetic Nervous System

Recent findings have indicated that immune responses are subjected to modulation by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Moreover, the findings show that the SNS inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The present revie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of dental research 2006-06, Vol.85 (6), p.488-495
Main Authors: Haug, S.R., Heyeraas, K.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cytokines - immunology
Dental Pulp - immunology
Dental Pulp - innervation
Dentin, Secondary - immunology
Dentistry
Granulocytes - immunology
Humans
Interleukin-1 - immunology
Leukosialin - immunology
Neuropeptide Y - immunology
Pulpitis - immunology
Sympathectomy
Sympathetic Nervous System - immunology
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Summary:Recent findings have indicated that immune responses are subjected to modulation by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Moreover, the findings show that the SNS inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The present review is an attempt to summarize the current results on how the SNS affects inflammation in dental tissues. In dental tissues, it has been found that the SNS is significant for recruitment of inflammatory cells such as CD 43+ granulocytes. Sympathetic nerves appear to have an inhibitory effect on osteoclasts, odontoclasts, and on IL-1α production. The SNS stimulates reparative dentin production, since reparative dentin formation was reduced after sympathectomy. Sprouting of sympathetic nerve fibers occurs in chronically inflamed dental pulp, and neural imbalance caused by unilateral sympathectomy recruits immunoglobulin-producing cells to the dental pulp. In conclusion, this article presents evidence in support of interactions between the sympathetic nervous system and dental inflammation.
ISSN:0022-0345
1544-0591
DOI:10.1177/154405910608500602