The selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist GTS-21 attenuates ventilator-induced inflammation and lung injury

Mechanical ventilation (MV) induces an inflammatory response that contributes to lung injury such as in acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome. The efferent vagus nerve can limit the inflammatory response via the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), the so-called cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the selective α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 on pulmonary and systemic inflammation and lung injury induced by MV using clinically relevant ventilator settings.