Acute auricular vagus nerve stimulation decreases glucose metabolism measured by 18F-FDG PET uptake in subcortical rat brain

Abstract Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been explored as an adjunct treatment for neurological disorders, such epilepsy, chronic migraine, pain, and depression, well its potential modulation of the immune response. A non-invasive form VNS is transcutaneous auricular (aVNS). The combination animal models with brain imaging may lead to a better understanding mechanisms. aim this study was evaluate acute effect electrical left vagus on glucose metabolism in naïve rat. Methods: Five female Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetised isoflurane imaged 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) two separate days, 1) at baseline, 2) after unilateral aVNS protocol initiated 10 minutes 18F-FDG injection. consisted 30 (left ear – 500-ms train 15 biphasic pulses every 30s (0.8 mA, Hz, 100 μs)). PET acquisition both days performed 45 injection, data analyzed using PMODÔ. Standard uptake values (SUV) regions interest calculated. Baseline versus compared paired t tests each region, significance set p < 0.05. Results: Significantly decreased observed bilaterally ventral tegmental area (13.5%), nucleus accumbens (11%), amygdala (14%), hypothalamus (13%) hippocampus (10%) aVNS. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept shows subcortical vivo response reduced limbic may, example, shed light antidepressant We suggest that use disease undergoing or stimulation, ligands different targets, be powerful assess therapeutic Research Category Technology Methods Basic Research: 12. Nerve Stimulation Keywords: metabolism, therapy