Peripheral nerve injury and immune response in rat

The effect of peripheral nerve axotomy on cellular and humoral immunity after bovine serum albumin (BSA) sensitization was examined. Arthus and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions and anti-BSA antibody production in 7, 14 and 21 days after immunization were significantly increased after axotomy of n. saphenus, n. tibialis and n. fibularis. The results indicate that peripheral nerves are also involved in the regulation of immune homeostasis from the place of peripheral immunization to or out the central nervous system (CNS).