Abstract
The nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of liver functions during
physiological as well as pathological conditions. This regulatory effect is based
on the processing of signals transmitted to the brain by sensory nerves innervating
the liver tissue and other visceral organs and by humoral pathways transmitting signals
from peripheral tissues and organs. Based on these signals, the brain modulates metabolism,
detoxification, regeneration, repair, inflammation, and other processes occurring
in the liver. The nervous system thus determines the functional and morphological
characteristics of the liver. Liver innervation also mediates the influence of psychosocial
factors on liver functions. The aim of this review is to describe complexity of bidirectional
interactions between the brain and liver and to characterize the mechanisms and pathways
through which the nervous system influences liver function during physiological conditions
and maintains liver and systemic homeostasis.
Keywords
cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway - sympathetic nervous system - sensory nerves
- stress - vagus nerve