Excitability of nodose ganglion cells and their role in vago-vagal reflex control of gastrointestinal function

A large body of evidence has demonstrated that vagal afferent neurones show non-uniform properties and that distinct neuronal populations can be identified within the nodose ganglia. Of particular interest is recent work illustrating the significant degree of plasticity displayed by vagal sensory neurones; alterations in vagal afferent neuronal excitability might be important in the development and maintenance of gastrointestinal pathological states. Although it is unclear whether such adaptations are mimicked centrally, recent studies suggest that tonic afferent vagal inputs act as a 'brake' on inputs to the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. It would be reasonable to assume, therefore, that plasticity in the excitability of vagal afferent neurones would have dramatic consequences for the regulation and modulation of gastrointestinal vago-vagal reflexes.