Vagus nerve stimulation produces a hippocampal formation theta rhythm in anesthetized rats

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used for years to treat patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. In the present study, the effect of different stimulation protocols of VNS on the hippocampal formation (HPC) type II theta field potentials were evaluated in anesthetized rats. The following theta parameters were analysed: power, frequency and duration of theta epochs. We documented for the first time the presence of HPC type II theta in response to the application of VNS. A VNS-induced theta rhythm appeared in different experimental protocols and, depending on the current intensity, could occur directly during VNS (brief effect) or after vagal stimulation (delayed effect), using lower intensity stimuli.