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Regulation of acute reflectory hyperinflammation in viral and other diseases by means of stellate ganglion block. A conceptual view with a focus on Covid-19
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the immune system are inseparable.
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During an immune response the ANS and the immune system establish a fast communication.
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This can lead to hyperinflammation, e. g. in Covid-19.
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Hyperinflammation can be regulated by a stellate ganglion block with local anesthetics.
Abstract
Whereas the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the immune system used to be assigned separate functions, it has now become clear that the ANS and the immune system (and thereby inflammatory cascades) work closely together. During an acute immune response (e. g., in viral infection like Covid-19) the ANS and the immune system establish a fast interaction resulting in “physiological” inflammation. Based on our knowledge of the modulation of inflammation by the ANS we propose that a reflectory malfunction of the ANS with hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) may be involved in the generation of acute hyperinflammation. We believe that sympathetic hyperactivity triggers a hyperresponsiveness of the immune system (“cytokine storm”) with consecutive tissue damage. These reflectory neuroimmunological and inflammatory cascades constitute a general reaction principle of the organism under the leadership of the ANS and does not only occur in viral infections, although Covid-19 is a typical current example therefore. Within the overreaction several interdependent pathological positive feedback loops can be detected in which the SNS plays an important part. Consequently, there is a chance to regulate the hyperinflammation by influencing the SNS. This can be achieved by a stellate ganglion block (SGB) with local anesthetics, temporarily disrupting the pathological positive feedback loops. Thereafter, the complex neuroimmune system has the chance to reorganize itself. Previous clinical and experimental data have confirmed a favorable outcome in hyperinflammation (including pneumonia) after SGB (measurable e. g. by a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines).
In viral infections, currently seen in the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the course is often mild, but some patients experience severe disease due to hyperresponsiveness of the immune system with excessive acute inflammation (hyperinflammation, cytokine storm) and consecutive tissue damage. This can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ involvement, microcirculatory disturbances, and microthrombosis (
). In our opinion, ARDS, endothelial dysfunction, microcirculatory disorder, coagulopathy, are related entities during a viral infection, e. g. Covid-19 (Fig. 1); they are the expression of an excessive, reactive malfunction of the ANS, especially sympathetic hyperactivity (
). We postulate that overreacting positive feedback loops on different levels of the nerve-immune-inflammation cascade are involved in this malfunction. Since these positive feedback loops are interdependent, with an important part of the SNS, they can be interrupted simultaneously by means of a short term SGB (“reset”). Interdependent positive feedback loops have the fundamental ability to reorganize themselves after changes of state (autoregulation) (
The grey area symbolizes that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is integrated in the communication of all systems and has a coordinating function. The black arrows symbolize that the systems are connected to each other via neuronal and non-neuronal feedback loops and are therefore interdependent. The same neuronal and non-neuronal substances can have both activating and inhibiting effects, depending on the current state of the system as well as on the point in time. (For literature, see text). Interestingly, the reactions in this system take place in principle in the same way, regardless of whether the initial stimulus was a viral infection, mechanical trauma, psychological stress, or other cause. The clinical picture – the disease – is then determined by the organ or organ system mainly affected (see text). In our opinion, the consequences of acute hyperinflammation such as ARDS, endothelial dysfunction, microcirculation disturbance, and coagulopathy are not different entities in a viral infection, but an expression of a malfunction of the ANS with sympathetic hyperactivity.
2.1 Anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system
The ANS (sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system) consists of a central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral part. It maintains an internal environment adapted to various factors. In addition, it significantly contributes to the control of inflammatory and immune processes as well as to the regulation of (micro)circulation (
The ANS, by virtue of its largely ubiquitous distribution as a feedback autoregulatory system, influences the functions of cells and organs, including the vascular system, endocrine system, and immune system. The SNS is distributed efferently from the sympathetic centers in the brain, including the hypothalamus, rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) (
Central nervous control of the cardiovascular system.
in: Mathias C.J. Bannister R. Autonomic Failure: A Textbook of Clinical Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System. 5th ed. Oxford University Press,
Oxford, New York2013
), through the spinal nucleus of the spinal cord (nucleus intermediolateralis), via the para- and prevertebral ganglia. The postganglionic nerve fibers run into the interstitium, with influence to mast cells, macrophages, fibrocytes, leukocytes (
), and to the organs and organ systems. In addition, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) stimulates the adrenal cortex, and the sympatho-adrenal (SA) system influences the adrenal medulla (
). Sensory nerve fibers in the truncus sympathicus project from the periphery (including the interstitium) via pre- and paravertebral ganglia and dorsal root ganglia to the spinal cord and from there to the centers in the brain. A second way into the brain is via cervical ganglia and the vascular plexus.
The efferent parasympathetic fibers have their origin in the core areas of the vagus nerve (nucleus ambiguus and nucleus dorsalis n. vagi) and form various plexuses together with the SNS (plexus pulmonalis, plexus cardiacus, and plexus coeliacus). The sensory fibers in the vagus nerve project into areas in the brain stem (nucleus tractus solitarius [NTS]). There, the NTS establishes connections to efferent parasympathetic and sympathetic core areas and to integration centers such as the hypothalamus (
The projection and synaptic organisation of NTS afferent connections with presympathetic neurons, GABA and nNOS neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
Positive feedback loops exist between AND within the central and peripheral communication. Example: Elements of peripheral communication sensitize each other: Thus, immune cells AND nerve fibers produce cytokines and substance P (SP), which in turn induce the immune cells and nerve fibers to produce even more cytokines and SP (positive feedback loop). The brain is then informed of the cytokine and SP concentration; it knows via the afferent nerve fibers the site of tissue damage and the incipient inflammation. Now, this information is processed (central communication) and the resulting output is then communicated to the periphery by means of the efferents shown here (communication between center and periphery).
Fig. 3Schematic and simplified overview of the autonomic nervous system and immune system and influence of the stellate ganglion block (direct and indirect) on several systems simultaneously (blue fields; see Section 3).
Representation of different levels of the “crosstalk” between nervous system and immune system (described step by step in the text). Each “part” is dependent on the whole system, and the function of the “parts” can hardly be considered in isolation. In addition to negative feedback loops, several positive feedback loops (iterations) are formed so that the system gets a high complexity.
The “reset” by means of stellate ganglion block not only affects the fibers of the autonomic nervous system, but also the subsequent reactions triggered by it, such as the regulation of the immune and inflammatory system and thus, cytokine production, too (see Table 1).
CP: Celiac plexus; HPA: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal; RVLM: rostral ventrolateral medulla; SGB: stellate ganglion block. (For interpretation of the references to colour in this figure legend, the reader is referred to the web version of this article.)
Whereas the nervous and the immune system were traditionally thought to be involved in separate functions, it has become clear since the works of Elenkov et al. in 2000 and Tracey in 2002 that the ANS and the immune system (and thereby inflammatory cascades) are in fact inseparable. Central networks of the ANS are informed about the peripheral inflammation and immune status (
) by sensory nerve fibers (nociceptive neurons, sensory nerve fibers in the truncus sympathicus and in the vagal nerve) as well as by the humoral pathway – especially cytokines, which (among others) originate from the inflamed areas and lymphoid organs (
) (Fig. 2, Fig. 3). Humoral and afferent neuronal signals co-determine the strength of the efferent “response” of the vagus and especially of the SNS from the autonomous centers of the brain (
). The ANS can control not only a general inflammatory and immune response, but also local processes in the damaged tissue (with sensory feedback to the brain) (Fig. 2, Fig. 3). Thus, immunological homeostasis is a continuous, homeodynamic process controlled by the ANS which allows throttling or stimulation in effector tissue including microcirculation and immune cells (
), and, conversely, nerve endings of sensory neurons register changes in the local concentration of immune mediators (cytokines, chemokines) and transmit this information to the brain (
). Autonomous centers in the brain localize the tissue damage at a specific location in the organism, which would not be possible via the bloodstream. Inflammatory mediators such as cytokines including chemokines are actually neuromodulators (
). In this localized neuroinflammation, also glial cells in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), the spinal cord and the brain are activated.
Interestingly, not only immune cells (macrophages, monocytes, lymphocytes) can produce cytokines, but also neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system, microglia and astrocytes, and vascular endothelial cells (
), allowing a very direct and fast communication (interaction). During noxious stimulation (trauma, toxins, viruses, bacteria, etc.) nerve fibers themselves release proinflammatory neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP). These are also released by immune cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells (
Differential effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, and somatostatin on immunoglobulin synthesis and proliferations by lymphocytes from Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen.
Surprisingly, the basic neuroimmune interactions in heterogenous clinical pictures (“diagnosis”) with overreaction of the immune and inflammatory system do not seem to differ (see Section 3.5), and thereby allow principally to be influenced (peripherally and centrally) by SGB (Fig. 4) (see Section 3.5). In the past, we have gained experience with SGB in heterogeneous clinical pictures which were accompanied by inflammations, immune disorders, circulatory disorders, and pain (
). Therefore we thought of a common pathogenetic mechanism and a “cooperation” between the ANS and the immune system in inflammations, and that their central mechanisms are also influenced by SGB.
Fig. 4The stellate ganglion block (SGB) simultaneously regulates the systems linked to the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
3.1 Anatomy and physiology of the stellate ganglion
The sympathetic SG is located at the level of the 1st rib head in the lamina praevertebralis fasciae cervicalis. The neurons of the ganglion receive their impulses via the rami communicantes albi from the spinal core areas of the nucleus intermediolateralis from C8 to Th5. After switching via divergence principle (
) to postganglionic neurons in the SG, the latter supply the upper body quadrant.
The SG modulates the functions in its immediate area of supply: brain, neck, lung, heart, upper extremity, vessels including microcirculation and endothelial function, interstitium, and immune system. The SG does not only influence the immune processing in the periphery but also brain areas involved in the control of the immune system. Therefore, the influence of the SG is not limited to pathophysiological processes in its immediate peripheral supply area (e. g. viral pneumonia, myocarditis) of the upper body quadrant, but also modifies inflammation remote from the SG, e. g. of the intestine. The reason for this is that neuronal and non-neuronal (cytokines, etc.) afferent signals from the intestine are received and integrated in the vagal and sympathetic brain centers which in turn influence the intestine (and its immune system) by feedback (Fig. 3). The autonomous centers in the brain are also under the influence of the SG (
), explaining why the brain (supplied by the SG) can provide ubiquitous immune responses and influence inflammation via the sympathetic and parasympathetic system (
). In a review of the literature of the anatomy of SG we noted that the sympathetic and vagal fibers are intertwined by a continuous commingling and via rami communicantes (
). Therefore, SGB is not a purely sympathetic block; vagal fibers are always influenced by the injection, partly because of their anatomical proximity, partly through the rami communicantes. This is desirable because both sympathetic and vagal efferents and afferents are important for the temporary interruption of the immune and inflammatory reflex paths (
3.2 Regulation of the acute neurogenic hyperinflammation (cytokine storm) by SGB
In the literature, the terms “proinflammatory”, “hyperinflammation” and “cytokine storm” are not exactly defined. We use the terms analogous to the following descriptions.
Proinflammatory: by this we mean substances or processes that have a proinflammatory effect, such as substance P, proinflammatory cytokines, etc. Here, the proinflammatory effect may well be physiological for defense against infectious agents, in trauma, etc. (
Hyperinflammation: this goes beyond the physiological inflammatory response and causes tissue damage. Scientific publications and the media often use the terms “hyperinflammation” and “cytokine storm” analogously, especially in connection with Covid-19. This is practicable but not very precise. We think the term “acute hyperinflammation” is more precise.
). Cytokine storm is a hyperactive immune response with excessive increased cytokines and other mediators. This is more than a physiological innate immune answer of an infection; cytokine storm causes via hyperinflammation cell and organ damage and often death (
In the following, we postulate that in many tissue damages, e. g. after virus infection, the overreaction of the immune system (e. g. cytokine storm) with hyperinflammation is the consequence of an SNS overreaction, and that SGB is a logical possibility to counteract it (Fig. 2, Fig. 3). The physiological balance between the SNS and the vagus nerve is biased towards SNS dominance (
). Speranski, a student of Pavlov, was able to show in 1950 in animal experiments that after experimental preload of the SNS (“first strike”) (e. g. chronic artificial hypothalamus and pituitary gland irritation), a subsequent, additional stimulus (“second strike”) caused various overshooting, sympathetically triggered, reflectoric inflammations (such as arthritis). For
) while the activated parasympathetic fibers of the vagus nerve have an anti-inflammatory effect. Nevertheless, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems cannot be considered in isolation; they are more than the sum of their parts (
) (see above). Although the pathophysiology was not known in detail at the time of Speranski's experiments, later research has confirmed the “leadership” of the ANS, especially of the SNS, in (excessive) immune reactions and inflammation (
), proposed neuronal different “setpoints” for the immune response to a stimulus such as infection: A normal “setpoint” results in a protective response (normal inflammation and tissue repair), a decreased “setpoint” in immunosuppression with increased infection, and an increased “setpoint” in hyperinflammation and tissue damage. Similar as in
], obesity, or stress) or indirect (organ damages) preload on the SNS may shift Tracey's “setpoint” towards an increase (corresponding to Speranski's “first strike”), so that the additional stimulus – such as an infection (Speranski's “second strike”) – leads to an overreaction of the SNS which disturbes the balance in the ANS (
). This hyperactivity would then be measurable by a cytokine storm and other laboratory parameters as well as tissue damage. In such situations, various authors have proposed to stimulate the vagus nerve in order to improve the balance between the sympathetic system and the vagus nerve (
). Effects of vagus nerve stimulation (reduction of inflammation, decreased cytokine production) correspond in principle to SGB which we are promoting here (see Section 5.3). Even though the Tracey model focuses predominantly on systemic autoimmune diseases and not on viral infections, there is striking evidence that the pathogenetic reflex mechanisms might be the same (uniform pathogenesis) with different initial (also viral) stimuli (see Section 3.5.2).
The severity of inflammatory disease is also closely related to the activity of sensory TRPV1-expressing neurons (transient receptor potential channel, formerly known as vanilloid receptor 1 or capsaicin receptor) in the truncus sympathicus and in the vagus nerve, as well as to the activity of sympathetic and vagal efferents in the lungs which modulate inflammation and immune system (
The role of afferent pulmonary innervation in poor prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patients and proposed use of resiniferatoxin (RTX) to improve patient outcomes in advanced disease state: a review.
) and can release more proinflammatory molecules such as SP and cytokines once activated. In order to reduce overproduction of cytokines, the authors suggest to block TRPV1-positive fibers which produce SP.
The role of afferent pulmonary innervation in poor prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 patients and proposed use of resiniferatoxin (RTX) to improve patient outcomes in advanced disease state: a review.
confirmed this approach in animal studies (ablation of TRPV1).
Numerous authors stress the importance of the nervous system in excessive inflammation: Neuronal reflex pathways can increase the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation (
Alpha1-adrenergic receptor stimulates interleukin-6 expression and secretion through both mRNA stability and transcriptional regulation: involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB.
). A virus-induced exaggerated immune response (cytokine storm) is considered a consequence of excessive neurogenic mechanisms (prolonged airway hyperresponsiveness) (
). In order to regulate the cytokine storm, we believe it is crucial to regulate the overshooting neurogenic mechanisms, e. g. by SGB, to achieve a different “setpoint” (
Ligand (virus)-receptor interactions, too, activate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The latter activate sensory nerve fibers (Fig. 2) and evoke a reflex response via the SNS and vagus (
), which corresponds functionally to SGB in the case of a shift towards sympathetic nerve activity. SGB reduces the production of TNF-α, IL-1, IL6, and IL-8 (
), stressing the communication (interaction) between the nervous and the immune system (see above). If even the nucleus tractus solitarius is affected by virus invasion, as described. e. g. in some cases of Covid-19 (
Multiple bilateral ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion blocks to treat acute vasculitis in a recently diagnosed patient of systemic lupus erythematosus.
As we could show in our previous works, the spinal cord is also strongly involved in the development of peripheral inflammation, with indications that the effects are mediated via the SNS (
Spinal tumor necrosis factor alpha neutralization reduces peripheral inflammation and hyperalgesia and suppresses autonomic responses in experimental arthritis: a role for spinal tumor necrosis factor alpha during induction and maintenance of peripheral inflammation.
). Neuroimmunologically controlled hyperinflammation also involves functional and structural changes in the endothelium and microcirculation and possibly also coagulopathy (see 3.3, 3.4). This results in further feedback loops (Fig. 1).
Since SGB shuts down the mentioned feedback loops simultaneously (because they are interdependent), the neuroimmune system has now the chance to reorganize itself (autoregulation). This reorganization is therefore not tied to the duration of action of the LA (procaine); rather, it far outlasts the short-term SGB (
). Blood vessels are innervated by sympathetic and – only in a few places in the body – parasympathetic nerve fibers. Endothelial dysfunction and inflammation are the consequence of pathologically increased sympathetic nerve activity (
). On the other hand, the endothelium can influence the SNS via vasoactive factors. This results in complex interactions involving positive feedback loops. Inflammation impairs the endothelial function (
Involvement of the peripheral sensory and sympathetic nervous system in the vascular endothelial expression of ICAM-1 and the recruitment of opioid-containing immune cells to inhibit inflammatory pain.
Endothelial cells can also produce vasoactive substances such as nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin. Endothelin maintains local and generalized processes. It can stimulate the peripheral and central SNS and can also be released by postganglionic sympathetic neurons and control catecholamine release and vascular tone (
in: Robertson D. Biaggioni I. Burnstock G. Low P.A. Paton J.F.R. Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System. 3rd ed. Academic Press,
San Diego2012: 135-139https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386525-0.00028-7
). In cooperation with the SNS, endothelin has a pathophysiological role in arterial hypertension including pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, vascular inflammation with fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis (
in: Robertson D. Biaggioni I. Burnstock G. Low P.A. Paton J.F.R. Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System. 3rd ed. Academic Press,
San Diego2012: 135-139https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386525-0.00028-7
observed a decrease in endothelin (and hypertension) in rats after applying SGB. Like endothelin, NO is involved in the complex regulatory circuits of endothelium–inflammation–ANS and has been favorably influenced by SGB in animal experiments (
). Leptin, released from adipocytes, also plays a role in arterial hypertension in collaboration with the SNS, and it causes endothelial dysfunction and increased blood pressure (
). That obesity and hypertension are risk factors for severe courses of Covid-19 is also understandable from this point of view (see also Section 5.2).
3.4 Regulation of microcirculation – disturbance and coagulopathy by SGB
The severity of an infectious disease is not only determined by pathogenic damage and reflectory (hyper-)inflammation of the organs (e. g. in pneumonia), but also by microcirculatory disturbance with hypercoagulopathy, as with Covid-19. Inflammation is the predominantly sympathetically controlled vascular response to irritants such as viruses and others (
Inflammation, immunity and the autonomic nervous system.
in: Robertson D. Biaggioni I. Burnstock G. Low P.A. Paton J.F.R. Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System. Third edition. Academic Press,
San Diego2012: 325-329https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386525-0.00067-6
). The response includes vasodilation with disturbed blood flow in irritated tissue, increased vascular permeability, production of cytokines and chemokines, and mobilization of immune cells. In a feedback loop, the brain modulates the intensity of inflammation after being informed by sensory nerve fibers from the irritated tissue (Fig. 2, Fig. 3) (
Inflammation, immunity and the autonomic nervous system.
in: Robertson D. Biaggioni I. Burnstock G. Low P.A. Paton J.F.R. Primer on the Autonomic Nervous System. Third edition. Academic Press,
San Diego2012: 325-329https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386525-0.00067-6
described disturbed microcirculatory blood flow in patients with severe influenza A (H1N1). The importance (and the link) of microvascular alterations and coagulopathy with microthrombi are also discussed in the pathogenesis of Covid-19 (
). In our opinion, the SNS should be more considered. Overactivity of the SNS including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can lead to hypercoagulability with thrombus formation (
also described the role of sympathetic activity on the pathogenesis of pulmonary embolism. Crucial is sympathetic hyperactivity which influences coagulation and fibrinolysis pathways and causes microthrombi with increased plasma D-dimers (
Multiple bilateral ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion blocks to treat acute vasculitis in a recently diagnosed patient of systemic lupus erythematosus.
). The authors showed that peripheral chemical sympathectomy in mice reduced morbidity and mortality from influenza A virus-induced pneumonia. After sympathectomy they observed a reduced cytokine response and a reduced inflammatory influx of monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. In the old works by the surgeon Leriche, it is suggested that sympathectomy for inflammation corresponds in effect to repeated SGB with procaine (
The theoretical background of hyperinflammation due to disequilibrium of the ANS with a dominance of the sympathetic part in acute lung injury stimulated the animal experiments of
. They showed that the regulation of the ANS, especially the sympathetic part, by SGB reduced inflammation and improved lung function in rabbits. In principle, vagus nerve stimulation produces a better balance in the ANS in case of overstimulated SNS. Vagus nerve stimulation also had an anti-inflammatory effect, as did the administration of cholinesterase inhibitors, but both were less potent than SGB (
showed in septic rats with acute lung injury that SGB reduces TNF-α and IL-6, increases the anti-inflammatory IL-10, and inhibits the infiltration of inflammatory cells into lung tissue.
produced a methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus-pneumonia in mice: TRPV1-expressing sensory neurons in the truncus sympathicus and the vagus nerve were chemically ablated (this corresponds in our opinion to the repeated SGBs in this circuit). Survival was improved and cytokine storm significantly reduced. Thus reduced activity of TRPV1-positive nerve fibers therefore probably prevents the transition of mild pneumonia into ARDS. In our opinion, this is a further plausible reason for SGB in such situations, supported by the fact that the TRPV1 channels can be influenced by LA such as procaine (
, also found a modified distribution of lymphocyte subsets and NK cell activity following SGB. SGB also regulates the increased hormone release of the HPA axis, especially the norepinephrine levels (
3.5.2 SGB in other situations of inflammation or acute hyperinflammation (cytokine storm)
The following studies and experiments come to uniform basic statements about the effect of SGB – although different organ systems such as the lungs, vessels, etc. or a trauma, a postoperative state, an autoimmune disease are affected. In principle, the mechanisms of predominantly sympathetic-triggered inflammation or hyperinflammation are always the same since the body has just a few reaction patterns to respond to stimuli such as infection, trauma, etc. The neuroimmunological and inflammatory cascade seem to be in motion regardless of the initial stimulus. The affected end organ determines the specific clinical appearance. Some examples: Analogous to the overreaction (cytokine storm) of the neuro-endocrine-immune network in Covid-19, the same processes are found in the early phase of severe trauma. It is called systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (
) and is one of the major factors in complications, organ failure and death. SIRS, too, is associated with an overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. SGB regulates the early systemic inflammatory response in severe trauma patients (
). The authors found that the concentrations of IL-β, IL-6 and TNF-α (but not IL-4 and IL-10) are significantly lower after SGB than in the control group without SGB. SGB regulates the hyperactive neuroendocrine-immune response to allow homeostasis and is recommended as an effective therapy for impending SIRS.
found that SGB can regulate cellular and humoral immune functions in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI); likewise, it can improve an overreacting nerve-endocrine-immune system, excessive vasoconstriction, abnormal blood rheology, and thus restore the balance between the sympathetic (excessive sympathetic tone) and parasympathetic nervous systems. In 50 patients with TBI,
showed that the excessive inflammatory response after TBI is an important reason that aggravates the secondary brain injury. IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly reduced after SGB compared to the control group. The authors also suspect a positive effect of SGB on central and peripheral vasoconstriction.
Thus, severe trauma can cause an overreactive stress response involving the complex feedback in the neuro-endocrine-immune system (
). Normally, an adequate stress response is protective. The SNS plays the most important role in these interactions but the balance with the parasympathetic nervous system is important (
). So, even in severe trauma, one of the most urgent goals is to prevent e. g. a cytokine storm, just as with Covid-19. Thus, the question also arises whether the term SIRS should be defined as a general principle (uniform pathogenesis with different initial stimuli, i. e. causes) in different diseases with pathological hyperinflammation (as with Covid-19). Notably, the principal – physiological or overshooting and therefore damaging – reactive neuroimmunological mechanisms with physiological or hyperinflammation are the same, regardless of whether their trigger is trauma, toxins, viruses, bacteria, etc. or psychological stress.
There are further examples: In a prospective, double blinded randomized parallel study SGB applied before laparoscopic gynecologic surgery decreased pain significantly immediately after surgery (
demonstrated a favorable effect on perioperative stress-related cytokine production. Sympathetic hyperactivity is regulated not only peripherally, but also centrally via the hypothalamus (
Is the combination therapy of IKr-channel blocker and left stellate ganglion block effective for intractable ventricular arrhythmia in a cardiopulmonary arrest patient?.
), and therefore SGB also improved chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), as shown as an additional intervention with sulfasalazine medication. In addition to a better clinical course, a reduction in inflammatory mediators (IL-8), faster mucosal regeneration, less pain and fewer complications were observed (
), speaking for their regulation (temporary deactivation of the nerve fibers) by SGB. However, the success depends on the time of inflammation at which the intervention is carried out. It seems most successful in the early stages, as we could show (
On the question of the timing of the SGB: Much is still unknown. One of the explanations may be that similar to the pain memory, an inflammation memory may develop under the described positive feedback loops. In other words, sensitization processes lead to neuroplastic changes over time. These may be reversible in some cases, but the timing of the intervention is logically important – we also see the best results clinically when we intervene early with repeated SGB in the sense of “desensitization” (typical for e. g. CRPS [
). It is logical that in the late stage a SGB has less effect. We can try to argue analogously for the neuroimmune system. However, we are only at the beginning of a new idea with the mechanisms of action.
In Covid-19 analysis of cytokine levels (“inflammatory phenotyping”) can identify patients at risk of deterioration (
). This can – together with the clinical presentation – help to find the right timing for SGB.
3.6 Regulation of acute hyperinflammation (cytokine storm) without deterioration of immunity or increase in viral load by short-term SGB
In cases of imminent or manifest cytokine storm e. g. in Covid-19, we rather suggest regulation of the neuroimmune system by short-lasting SGB than blockade of immune functions by selective drugs, since a “selective” drug-induced blockage of parts of the neuroimmunological processes may be associated with serious side effects including deterioration of immunity and subsequent secondary infection or increase in viral load (
). This is easy to understand from pathophysiology: mediated by the HPA axis, the serum cortisol concentration is already elevated under disease stress. An “artificial” increase in cortisol concentration results in a significant increase in mortality from Covid-19 (
Since (despite the term SGB) we do not block but regulate, we do not interfere with the body's natural ability to develop an immunological memory (adaptive immune system) and therefore there is no greater risk of subsequent re-exposure. It is true that the SGB modifies the distribution of the lymphocyte subsets and the NK cell activity (increase in the proportion of B- and T-cells, and a decrease in NK-cells) (see Section 3.5.1), but these effects were transient (
). The transient SGB serves mainly to regulate an excessive immune response to a physiological immune response.
3.7 Properties of procaine
In contrast to amide-structured LA (lidocaine, bupivacaine), procaine has a direct vasodilating (regulating) effect in addition to the sympatholytic effect. Furthermore, procaine has an antiinflammatory effect (
). LA also act on non-neuronal cells such as mast cells, neutrophils and monocytes as well as on cytokine production and also have antibacterial and antiviral effects (
Application for the Adoption of Interference Field Therapy (Neural Therapy According to Huneke) Into the Health Benefit Basket of the Compulsory Health Insurance.
Submitted to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health,
2010
) and no interactions with other drugs because it is not broken down by the liver but by pseudocholinesterase, which is ubiquitously present. This is also an advantage in Covid-19, since most of the time, severely ill patients are elderly, receiving polypharmaceutical treatment.
4. Applying SGB using a minimally invasive technique
). We recommend the bilateral SGB with a time interval of ca 1 h (disappearing Horner complex) twice daily for 2 or 3 days.
4.1 Material
Procaine 1% 5 ml each side without any additives. Needle: 20 × 0.4 mm or 12 × 0.3 mm, depending on body type (short needles are possible because of the remaining finger on Chassaignacs tubercle).
This technique allows a very shallow depth of the injection, so that very thin needles can be used, which allows the stellate injection even in anticoagulated patients. However, with extremely thin needles, aspiration is more difficult and must be performed slowly and continuously. For safety reasons, anticoagulated patients must be given several minutes of compression at the injection site.
4.2 Possible complications
Paresis of the recurrent or phrenic nerve on the opposite side can lead to breathing problems. Accidental injection of a LA into a brain-bound blood vessel or into the cranial area of the cerebrospinal fluid space (cave: cervical cerebrospinal fluid cyst) can cause cramps, unconsciousness, cardiac and respiratory arrest.
5. Discussion
5.1 The neuroimmune system – complex and nonlinear?
There is evidence that an imbalance in the ANS (in particular an excessive sympathetic tone) due to pre-existing conditions is at the beginning of the overshooting reactions in Covid-19 and other diseases. Even small changes in non-physiologically balanced complex systems can therefore have a major effect. This is typical in a system with interdepending positive feedback loops (iterations) as described in the previous chapters. This gives the neuroimmune system a complex nonlinear character, analogous the mathematical chaos theory as it was described for nature and biology (
). We postulate several positive feedback loops dependent on the ANS which play a role in the overreaction of the neuroimmune system, in which neural and humoral factors reinforce each other. In positive feedback loops it is often difficult to find the “starting points”. We will try to illustrate this with some examples: Since neurons express receptors for inflammatory mediators (
Intraneural injection of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha into rat sciatic nerve at physiological doses induces signs of neuropathic pain.
). This positive feedback loop is a very fast way to reach high concentrations of SP and cytokines, but there is also the danger of overreaction when the system is already preloaded. This could be one of the mechanisms of a cytokine storm. SP can additionally stimulate the production of cytokines by macrophages (e. g. IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α) (
Activation of human neutrophils by substance P. Effect on oxidative metabolism, exocytosis, cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and inositol phosphate formation.
Alpha1-adrenergic receptor stimulates interleukin-6 expression and secretion through both mRNA stability and transcriptional regulation: involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB.
Intraneural injection of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha into rat sciatic nerve at physiological doses induces signs of neuropathic pain.
) causes further positive feedback with expansion and intensification of neurogenic inflammation. Positive feedback loops are strongly interconnected, typical for a complex, iterative, chaotic system.
The question arises if positive feedback loops make sense in physiology. In our opinion these iterations are the quickest way to generate a physiological inflammation. In case of an infection, cytokines and SP can be provided very quickly. However, there is also the disadvantage that such systems are unstable, and we hypothesize that if the SNS is preloaded (such as hypertension, obesity, stress, negative emotions) or the regulatory capacity reduced, the (positive feedback) system can overreact and lead to a cytokine storm with a consecutive acute hyperinflammation in case of viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we believe, that the severity of e. g. viral pneumonia or even ARDS does not depend linearly on the initial stimulus (amount of virus). Depending on time and the current state of the system, the same parts of the ANS can have either an activating or inhibiting effect. For example, the SNS can have a pro- or anti-inflammatory (late phase) effect (
). These observations also show the complexity of the system. In our opinion, the therapeutic manipulation of only one cell type (e. g. by receptor blockers) as a linear, reductionist intervention can only be associated with disadvantages and side effects (as experience has shown), since the cell type in question is protective under physiological conditions and only causes tissue damage in the case of dysregulation (hyperresponsiveness) (
). By contrast, the regulation of the ANS by means of short term SGB has an influence on cytokines and chemokines, for example, and – since regulation is used instead of suppression – has no adverse effects on the “physiological” performance of the inflammatory and immune system.
For this reason, the temporary shutdown by means of SGB is a logical intervention, since SGB has an influence at several places at the same time, and the system has the chance to reorganize itself afterwards (autoregulation) which is typical for a complex, nonlinear system.
5.2 Pre-existing conditions strain the neuroimmune system
We put forward the idea that with the hyperresponsiveness of the immune and inflammatory system, an overreaction of the already preloaded ANS plays an important role, specifically, by activity-enhancing positive feedback loops (see Section 3.2). So, the “cytokine storm” is caused by a “sympathetic storm” (
Thus, pre-existing sympathetic hyperactivity (including hypertension, obesity, psychological stress, multimorbidity, polymedication, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, intestinal diseases) and the associated central and peripheral neuroimmunological imbalance can lead to severe, sometimes fatal processes in case of a “second strike” (see Section 3.2) as in a viral infection with Covid-19 (
) especially in older people, in whom the neuroimmonological system appears to be less adaptable.
Hypertension and obesity are two major recognized risk factors for a severe course of Covid-19, both of which are characterized by sympathetic hyperactivity and imbalance of the SNS and vagus, respectively. As a result, the release of leptins from adipocytes is increased (
describe the importance of RVLM (rostral ventrolateral medulla) in determining efferent sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure. In this way, analogous to chaos theory, further interdependent positive feedback loops, mediated via the SNS, are created. These effects are neutralized by sympathetic denervation (
5.3 Vagus nerve stimulation or stellate ganglion block?
The imbalance between the SNS and the vagus with sympathetic hyperactivity may be an important factor in hyperinflammation with cytokine storm. The balance can in principle be improved by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or by SGB.
considered early on in their therapeutic considerations the neuronal regulation of neurogenic inflammation in viral infections. Neuromodulation by VNS in reflex inflammation is proposed by various authors (
suspects that in the future, further neuroimmunological reflex pathways will be discovered which can produce homeostasis in the innate and the adaptive immune system through therapy of the ANS. In general, according to these authors, it should be possible in the future to treat the immune response and the progression of the inflammation therapeutically via the neuronal networks.
see the therapeutic potential of the VNS also for autoimmune diseases with hyperinflammation such as chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
By applying SGB we regulate not only the SNS, but also the vagus nerve because, on the one hand, of their close connections within the periphery (anatomical and rami communicantes), as we described in our review (
), on the other hand, indirectly, because of the involvement of the sensory vagus “receiving site” in the brain (nucleus tractus solitarius). In addition, SGB enables us to reach the central sympathetic “output” centers such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, RVLM, etc. as well as peripheral sympathetic efferents and sensory fibers in the truncus sympathicus. Therefore, from a pathophysiological point of view, we consider SGB more advantageous than VNS, also confirmed experimentally by
5.4 Why has the SGB not been used more frequently in medicine?
The most common uses of SGB are in CRPS, circulatory disorders, and sympathetically maintained pain. The fear of hemodynamic problems has been a topic for decades. However, we could show that the hemodynamic parameters hardly change (
). There is a respect for other complications. They mainly occurred when applying old techniques with significantly larger amounts of long-acting LA with a high diffusion capacity (undesired diffusion to neighboring structures). With the short-acting, only slightly diffusing procaine in lower amounts, we have not seen any complications; only a few have been noted in the literature (
Application for the Adoption of Interference Field Therapy (Neural Therapy According to Huneke) Into the Health Benefit Basket of the Compulsory Health Insurance.
Submitted to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health,
2010
Another reason for the limited breadth of its application is that SGB is not considered guideline-compliant for most indications – and usually only specially trained anesthetists perform SGBs.
In addition, the range of indications is not known to many clinically active physicians due to decades of neglect of the ANS in pain, immune and inflammatory processes.
put it aptly: “Most of the previous studies lacked careful consideration of the impact of the ANS. The main reason is the difficulty to evaluate sympathetic nerve activity directly and easily.”
5.5 Limitations and factors that may impair the efficacy of a stellate ganglion block
Whether the injection can be performed during anticoagulation has to be decided individually (risk-benefit assessment, lack of other therapeutic options, or these have been exhausted). However, the area of injection can well be compressed manually after the (atraumatic) injection, preventing hematoma. Nevertheless, we principally advise against SGB in anticoagulated patients. This is another reason why early recognition of a threatening course of Covid-19 is important; thus, SGB can be performed shortly before anticoagulation is started. Therefore, clinical and laboratory monitoring of high-risk patients should be close-meshed.
The timing of SGB plays a major role: it should be as early as possible, if laboratory or clinical evidence (e. g. beginning respiratory insufficiency) shows that the neuroimmunological networks are overreacting (
The correct technique plays an important role: not only the equilateral Horner symptom complex should be positively checked, but also a temperature increase of the equilateral upper extremity of >0.5 °C; because if the SNS is blocked cranially the SG, a Horner symptom complex is though created, but the postganglionic fibers for the lungs and heart are not directly affected by the block.
In previous studies and experiments, SGB was usually only conducted unilaterally. However, we propose the bilateral SGB with a time interval (see Section 4).
Another limiting factor could be old age (reduced capacity for self-organization) – we got this impression during our clinical work – but this would still have to be verified by means of studies.
6. Conclusions
The sympathetically maintained interdependent positive feedback loops give the neuroimmune system an iterative, nonlinear character (compatible with the mathematical chaos theory). Such systems have the fundamental ability to reorganize themselves (autoregulation) after changes of state e. g. by means of SGB. With this regulation the nonlinearity of the system is respected.
Previous clinical and experimental data show that the repeated, temporary SGB with LA procaine, is capable to regulate the sympathetic-triggered neurogenic inflammation processes.
Because of the very low material costs, this therapy is also suitable for countries with low financial resources in the health system.
Despite the existence of clinical and experimental data on the effect of SGB and its logical mechanisms of action, larger studies are necessary. We hope that this work will serve as a basis for applications to the ethics committees.
Because of the lack of direct measurements of the ANS especially in pain, immune and inflammatory processes, the ANS was not considered enough in the past in our opinion. We hope that our conceptual view with partially new pathophysiological inputs may help to show how important the careful consideration of the ANS is. We also think that the therapy by the ANS is just at the beginning and that there is still a great potential here.
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Declaration of competing interest
None.
Acknowledgment
We would like to thank Professor Wilfried Jänig, University Kiel, Germany, many of whose papers we cited, for very constructive discussions. We thank our illustrator, Hans Holzherr, for the remarkable precision of his drawings and for his important hints.
References
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Is the combination therapy of IKr-channel blocker and left stellate ganglion block effective for intractable ventricular arrhythmia in a cardiopulmonary arrest patient?.
Spinal tumor necrosis factor alpha neutralization reduces peripheral inflammation and hyperalgesia and suppresses autonomic responses in experimental arthritis: a role for spinal tumor necrosis factor alpha during induction and maintenance of peripheral inflammation.
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