Effects of Peripheral Sympathetic Denervation on Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) Induced Cutaneous Swelling in the Hock and Tail of Mice

Authors

• Ayusha Pokharel '27, DePauw University
• Masyn Naegele '26, DePauw University

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2-2026

Abstract

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) carries stress signals directly to the site of injury and activates the immune system via direct neuronal innervation or release of systemic hormones. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is a neurotoxin that causes denervation of the SNS by eliminating the peripheral nerve terminals, which are responsible for sending the stress signals. The effect of sympathetic denervation on the localized immune response is unexplored in the literature. Therefore, our study aims to investigate the effect of 6-OHDA-induced sympathetic denervation on local inflammation following phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced swelling. Even under resting circumstances, some baseline level of stress is communicated to the site of mimicked injury, affecting inflammation. Collectively, our study investigates the nuanced interaction between the SNS and the immune system.

Department

Department of Biology, DePauw University, IN

Project Mentor

Dr. Kevin Kinney

Funding and Acknowledgements

DePauw Professional Development Fund

Recommended Citation

Pokharel, Ayusha '27 and Naegele, Masyn '26, "Effects of Peripheral Sympathetic Denervation on Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) Induced Cutaneous Swelling in the Hock and Tail of Mice" (2026). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 242.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/242