Does the liver talk to the brain? If so, how and why?

TL;DR

The liver communicates with the brain through signals like nutrients and hormones, possibly via the vagal nerve, influencing metabolism and mood.

Contribution

This paper proposes that liver signaling via the vagal nerve is a new pathway for body-brain communication.

Findings

The liver communicates with the brain via vagal sensory neurons.

Liver signals influence metabolic homeostasis and emotional stability.

Abstract

The liver communicates with the brain by transmitting interoceptive signals, including nutrients, hormones, and cytokines, potentially via the liver-innervating vagal sensory neurons. This communication is crucial for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and emotional stability.

Interoceptive signals from visceral organs, such as heart, lungs and gut, are known to influence many aspects of organismal physiology and behavior. This Perspective argues that liver signaling via the vagal nerve is another avenue of body-brain communication that shapes metabolism and mood.

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