Abstract
Objective. Smooth muscle help regulate the diameter of the airways and their constriction can contribute to the pathology of acute asthma attacks. This study sought to determine if applying a specific electrical signal to the vagus nerve (VN) could minimize histamine-induced bronchoconstriction. Methods. Sixteen guinea pigs and three swine were anesthetized and had bipolar electrodes positioned on the cervical VNs. After the animals stabilized, i.v. histamine was titrated to elicit a moderate 2-4 cm H2O increase in pulmonary inflation pressure (Ppi). Histamine was then dosed with or without concurrent low voltage VN stimulation. Results. The peak change in Ppi following a histamine challenge was reduced in the guinea pig by VN stimulation (3.4 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.2 cm H2O, p < 0.001). The results were confirmed in a limited study in swine and indicate VN treatment is applicable to larger animals. Conclusion. This study suggests that VN stimulation can reduce bronchoconstriction and may prove useful as a rescue therapy in the treatment of acute asthma.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 261-269 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Neuromodulation |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2009 |
Keywords
- Bronchoconstriction
- Guinea pig
- Histamine
- Swine
- Vagus nerve stimulation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Neurology
- Clinical Neurology
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine