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Assessing Pupil-linked Changes in Locus Coeruleus-mediated Arousal Elicited by Trigeminal Stimulation
Published on: November 26, 2019
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Vagus nerve stimulation parameters evoke differential neuronal responses in the locus coeruleus
Ariana Farrand1, Vincent Jacquemet2,3, Ryan Verner4
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.
Physiological Reports
|March 11, 2023
Summary
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) parameters differentially activate the locus coeruleus (LC). Optimized VNS settings enhance LC neuron response consistency and synchrony, crucial for treating epilepsy and depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurophysiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treats epilepsy and depression.
- The locus coeruleus (LC) is key to VNS efficacy.
- Optimal VNS parameters for LC activation remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Characterize locus coeruleus (LC) activation by varying vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) parameters.
- Identify VNS settings that optimize LC neuron response and synchrony.
Main Methods:
- Recorded extracellular activity in rat LC.
- Applied 11 VNS paradigms with varied frequencies and bursting patterns.
- Assessed neuronal firing rate, timing, and synchrony changes.
Main Results:
- LC neuron response amplification observed across all VNS paradigms.
- Frequencies ≥10 Hz and specific bursting patterns enhanced positive responses.
- Bursting VNS increased LC neuron synchrony, suggesting network recruitment.
Conclusions:
- VNS parameter selection critically influences LC activation.
- Standard VNS (10-30 Hz) and optimized bursting VNS enhance LC activity.
- Findings guide VNS therapy optimization for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
