What is the Vagal–Adrenal Axis?

Abstract

Some recent publications have used the term “vagal–adrenal axis” to account for mechanisms involved in the regulation of inflammation by electroacupuncture. This concept proposes that efferent parasympathetic nerve fibers in the vagus directly innervate the adrenal glands to influence catecholamine secretion. Here, we discuss evidence for anatomical and functional links between the vagi and adrenal glands that may be relevant in the context of inflammation and its neural control by factors, including acupuncture. First, we find that evidence for any direct vagal parasympathetic efferent innervation of the adrenal glands is weak and likely artifactual. Second, we find good evidence that vagal afferent fibers directly innervate the adrenal gland, although their function is uncertain. Third, we highlight a wealth of evidence for indirect pathways, whereby vagal afferent signals act via the central nervous system to modify adrenal-dependent anti-inflammatory responses. Vagal afferents, not efferents, are thus the likely key to these phenomena.