Abstract:

The inferior alveolar nerve is a hybrid nerve that can serve as a nerve conduction function through the exteroceptors. At the same time, the inferior alveolar nerve can also have a non-nerve conduction function by releasing neuropeptides. Neuropeptides are a type of bioactive peptides that are secreted by the nerve cells, and they play their regulatory role through the extracellular receptors. Many neuropeptides are related to the inferior alveolar nerve, such as substance P, calcitonin-gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, and neurokinin A. The inferior alveolar nerve can regulate tooth development and neurogenic inflammation by releasing these neuropeptides. It also plays an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis, promoting fracture coalescence, and improving tissue repair regeneration. The relationship between nerves and tissue regeneration should be discussed from the level of molecule, cell, and tissue by studying the non-nerve conduction function of the inferior alveolar nerve. This issue will be the focus of related studies in the future. The current paper focuses on the inferior alveolar nerve and the non-nerve conduction function.

Key words: inferior alveolar nerve, non-nerve conduction, neuropeptide