ATP spreads inflammation to other limbs through crosstalk between sensory neurons and interneurons, 2022, Hasebe et al

Neural circuits between lesions are one mechanism through which local inflammation spreads to remote positions. Here, we show the inflammatory signal on one side of the joint is spread to the other side via sensory neuron–interneuron crosstalk, with ATP at the core. Surgical ablation or pharmacological inhibition of this neural pathway prevented inflammation development on the other side. Mechanistic analysis showed that ATP serves as both a neurotransmitter and an inflammation enhancer, thus acting as an intermediary between the local inflammation and neural pathway that induces inflammation on the other side. These results suggest blockade of this neural pathway, which is named the remote inflammation gateway reflex, may have therapeutic value for inflammatory diseases, particularly those, such as rheumatoid arthritis, in which inflammation spreads to remote positions.

Paywall, https://rupress.org/jem/article-abs...P-spreads-inflammation-to-other-limbs-through

 

ATP From Sensory Neuron-Interneuron Crosstalk Is Key to Spreading Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis

"Summary: In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation in one joint is transmitted to other joints via the sensory neuron connections in the spinal cord, leading to inflammation in the other joints. Inflammation in one joint led to an increase in ATP in other joints, which triggered an increase of a signaling molecule that resulted in inflammation. Blocking the pathway reduced the spread of inflammation."

https://neurosciencenews.com/atp-rheumatiod-arthritis-20628/

 

I think this shows that the inmates really have taken over the madhouse.
They talk of one side of a joint when I think they mean a joint on one side of the body?
I can't be bothered to source it from UCL.