Vagus Nerve Stimulation Enhances Stable Plasticity and Generalization of Stroke Recovery.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Chronic impairment of the arm and hand is a common consequence of stroke. Animal and human studies indicate that brief bursts of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in conjunction with rehabilitative training improve recovery of motor function after stroke. In this study, we tested whether VNS could promote generalization, long-lasting recovery, and structural plasticity in motor networks.

Methods

Rats were trained on a fully automated, quantitative task that measures forelimb supination. On task proficiency, unilateral cortical and subcortical ischemic lesions were administered. One week after ischemic lesion, rats were randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks of rehabilitative training on the supination task with or without VNS. Rats then underwent 4 weeks of

SUBMITTER: Meyers EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6454573 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature