The effects of vagal nerve stimulation in focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion model

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of VNS in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model of ischemia based on behavioral, morphological, and molecular approaches. MATERIAL and METHODS: Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups: ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), I/R+VNS, and sham (for I/R). Each group was further divided into two subgroups for the assessment of neurological deficits and infarct area, or biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress. RESULTS: The infarct area and neurological scores were significantly lower in I/R+VNS group compared with the I/R group. MDA levels were significantly higher in I/R group compared to control and I/R+VNS groups in the cortical and subcortical specimens. There were also between-group differences in terms of GSH levels. GSH levels were higher in sham group compared with and I/R and I/R+VNS groups in cortical specimens whereas these levels for lower in I/R group compared to control and I/R+VNS groups in the subcortical specimens. SOD activity was higher in control group compared to I/R and I/R+VNS groups both in the cortical and subcortical specimens. There was no difference between I/R and I/R+VNS groups in neither cortical nor subcortical specimens. CONCLUSION:The neuroprotective and antioxidant properties of VNS suggest its efficacy as a potential anti-ischemic treatment.