Interactions between inflammatory cells and nerves.

ABSTRACT

In the lungs, motor parasympathetic nerves and sensory nerves both innervate a variety of inflammatory cells. Interactions between these cells provide a means of extending the influence of each other's function. Neurotransmitters influence inflammatory cell function by either augmenting or limiting the inflammatory response. On the other hand, chemical factors released from inflammatory cells lead to local, reflex and long-lasting central changes in neural function.