Fig. 1

VNS inhibits inflammation mainly through three different mechanisms. VNS could increase cortisol levels along the HPA axis. The second way is by binding of acetylcholine to α7nAChR. Moreover, VNS acts on lymphocytes through splenic sympathetic nerves and inhibits inflammatory reactions. VNS vagus nerve stimulation, α7nAChR α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, IL-1β interleukin 1β, IL-6 interleukin 6, TNF-α tumour necrosis factor-α