Liver Neurobiology: Regulation of Liver Functions by the Nervous System

Abstract

The nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of liver functions during physiological as well as pathological conditions. This regulatory effect is based on the processing of signals transmitted to the brain by sensory nerves innervating the liver tissue and other visceral organs and by humoral pathways transmitting signals from peripheral tissues and organs. Based on these signals, the brain modulates metabolism, detoxification, regeneration, repair, inflammation, and other processes occurring in the liver. The nervous system thus determines the functional and morphological characteristics of the liver. Liver innervation also mediates the influence of psychosocial factors on liver functions. The aim of this review is to describe complexity of bidirectional interactions between the brain and liver and to characterize the mechanisms and pathways through which the nervous system influences liver function during physiological conditions and maintains liver and systemic homeostasis.

Keywords

cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway - sympathetic nervous system - sensory nerves - stress - vagus nerve

Data Availability Statement

Data sharing is not applicable to this article, as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Authors' Contributions

Both authors contributed equally to the conception, design, writing, and critical review of the manuscript. B.M. prepared figures.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 April 2025

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