This observation is not new as previous reports in the 50's, 60's and 70's discuss either unilateral resolution or prevention of inflammatory arthritis and even scleroderma before or after neurologic events that were unilateral in nature. A connection between the immune system and nervous system has long been suspected based on such clinical events as well as observed anatomical innervation of inflamed synovial tissues. Other organ systems (nervous, endocrine, special senses, gut, etc.) may also be affected by the neuroimmune system in regards to an etiology. Denervation interventions in animal models of inflammatory arthritis suggest an intact nervous system may play a role in what was once called "neurogenic" inflammation.
This observation is not new as previous reports in the 50's, 60's and 70's discuss either unilateral resolution or prevention of inflammatory arthritis and even scleroderma before or after neurologic events that were unilateral in nature. A connection between the immune system and nervous system has long been suspected based on such clinical events as well as observed anatomical innervation of inflamed synovial tissues. Other organ systems (nervous, endocrine, special senses, gut, etc.) may also be affected by the neuroimmune system in regards to an etiology. Denervation interventions in animal models of inflammatory arthritis suggest an intact nervous system may play a role in what was once called "neurogenic" inflammation.