Neural bridging achieves transcutaneous regulation of vagus nerve function and treatment of depressive disorders.

ABSTRACT: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents a neuromodulation technique that has shown potential in the treatment of various diseases. However, conventional VNS therapy is constrained by the requirement for implanted electrodes, primarily due to the scarcity of appropriate vagal cutaneous branches. Here, a neural bridging method was employed to connect the sensory nerve with the vagus nerve, thereby facilitating transcutaneous modulation of autonomic nerve function and addressing depressive disorders. Results showed that end-to-side neurorrhaphy induced robust axonal regeneration while preserving vagus nerve integrity. Neural tracing confirmed cervical nerve-to-nucleus tractus solitarius projections. Postoperative auricular stimulation significantly evoked 3.46-fold higher c-Fos+ neurons in t

SUBMITTER: Sun F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12664496 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature