Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 5, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Regeneration in the CNS Using the Mouse Retina
Published on: June 23, 2014
The Vegetative Receptor-Vascular Reflex (VRVR) - A New Key to Regeneration
Michael Ofner1, Harald Walach2,3,4
1Institute of Pathophysiology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Objective:
We describe a potentially new physiological reflex path that has so far been neglected but which could be used for a novel therapeutic approach: The vegetative receptor-vascular reflex. This is a physiological response that starts from the connective tissue and influences the whole organism. We cross-fertilized various research areas with each other.
Key Findings:
The matrix or the connective tissue forms a passive reservoir of substrate for the growth and development of cells, and functions as the primordial communication system of all living systems. It contains a continuous network of cells, such as fibroblasts, along with protein bundles made up of collagen that support electrical exchange through piezoelectric effects. This archaic vegetative system surrounds all cells, including neurons, and can thus be viewed as the primordial coordinating system in every organism. It is very likely the basis for a reflex which we describe here for the first time: the vegetative receptor vascular reflex. We also indicate some potential practical applications and test procedures.
Conclusion:
The vegetative receptor vascular reflex describes the pathway from stimuli that originate in the connective tissue or the extracellular matrix toward organ systems. They might be chemical in nature or electrical via piezo-electric effects stimulating nerve endings, and thus can influence higher order processes such as regeneration or healing of tissue. Thus, this reflex lends itself to a novel therapeutic approach via certain types of manipulation of the connective tissue.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Signaling in Plants
Overview of Regeneration and Repair
Regeneration
All animals have varying degrees of...
Short-distance Transport of Resources
Whole Body Regeneration
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
Photoreceptors and Plant Responses to Light

