Vagal afferent nerve (VAN) (VAN)

The vagal afferent nerve (VAN) is a critical sensory component of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) that transmits physiological information from the visceral organs to the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the brainstem (StatPearls: Vagus Nerve, 2023). It serves as a primary conduit for the gut-brain axis, mediating signals related to satiety, gastric distension, and nutrient sensing (Williams et al., 2016, PubMed). The VAN expresses various receptors, such as the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and 5-HT3 receptor, which are targeted by drugs like liraglutide and ondansetron to manage metabolic disorders and emesis (Krieger, 2020, PubMed). Furthermore, these nerves are essential for the inflammatory reflex, sensing peripheral cytokines and modulating systemic immune responses (Pavlov & Tracey, 2012, Nature Reviews). Clinically, the vagal afferent nerve is the target of Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy, which is utilized for the treatment of refractory epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression (Johnson & Wilson, 2018, PubMed). Dysfunction in vagal afferent signaling is associated with conditions such as obesity, gastroparesis, and chronic inflammatory diseases (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Sensory vagus nerveAfferent vagal fiberVisceral afferent nerveVagal sensory neuron

Activation of visceral sensory signaling to the brainstem and modulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.