Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation attenuates autoantibody-mediated cardiovagal dysfunction and inflammation in a rabbit model of postural tachycardia syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Previous studies demonstrated M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-activating autoantibodies (M2R-AAb) were present in some patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This study examines how these autoantibodies might contribute to the pathophysiology of POTS, and whether low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) can ameliorate autoantibody-mediated autonomic dysregulation in the rabbit.

Methods

Five New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with a M2R second extracellular loop peptide to produce cholinomimetic M2R-AAb. Tilt test and infusion studies were performed on conscious rabbits before immunization, 6 weeks after immunization, and 8 weeks after immunization with 2-week daily LLTS treatment. Each rabbit served as its own control.

Results

Compared to pr

SUBMITTER: Deng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9349471 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature