Our Publications

Pulmonary Edema in COVID19—A Neural Hypothesis

Anoop U.R. and Kavita Verma

ACS Chemical Neuroscience 2020 11 (14), 2048-2050
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00370

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Abstract

In COVID-19, lung manifestations present as a slowly evolving pneumonia with insidious early onset interstitial pulmonary edema that undergoes acute exacerbation in the late stages and microvascular thrombosis. Currently, these manifestations are considered to be only consequences of pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. We are proposing a new hypothesis that neurogenic insult may also play a major role in the pathogenesis of these manifestations. SARS-CoV-2 mediated inflammation of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) may play a role in the acute exacerbation of pulmonary edema and microvascular clotting in COVID-19 patients.

Cytokine Storm in COVID19: A Neural Hypothesis

Anoop UR and Kavita Verma

ACS Chemical Neuroscience 2020 11 (13), 1868-1870
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00346

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Abstract

Cytokine storm in COVID-19 is characterized by an excessive inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2 that is caused by a dysregulated immune system of the host. We are proposing a new hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 mediated inflammation of nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) may be responsible for the cytokine storm in COVID 19. The inflamed NTS may result in a dysregulated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Happy Hypoxemia in COVID-19—A Neural Hypothesis

Anoop U.R. and Kavita Verma

ACS Chemical Neuroscience 2020 11 (13), 1865-1867
DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00318

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Abstract

Many COVID-19 patients are presenting with atypical clinical features. Happy hypoxemia with almost normal breathing, anosmia in the absence of rhinitis or nasal obstruction, and ageusia are some of the reported atypical clinical findings. Based on the clinical manifestations of the disease, we are proposing a new hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 mediated inflammation of the nucleus tractus solitarius may be the reason for happy hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients.