Electrical Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve Modulates the Development of Oxygen Epilepsy in Rabbits

• Published in: Neuroscience and behavioral physiology Vol. 47; no. 3; pp. 345 - 351
• Main Authors: Zhilyaev, S. Yu, Moskvin, A. N., Platonova, T. F., Demchenko, I. T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.03.2017; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Autonomic nervous system; Behavioral Sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Blood; Brain; Convulsions; Convulsions & seizures; EEG; Electrical stimuli; Epilepsy; Exposure; Firing pattern; Hyperbaric oxygen; Hyperventilation; Motor task performance; Neurobiology; Neurosciences; Neurotoxicity; Organs; Parasympathetic nervous system; Respiration; Sensory neurons; Stimulation; Sympathetic nervous system; Synchronization; Tachycardia; Toxicity; Vagus nerve; oxygen convulsions; autonomic nervous system; hyperbaric oxygen; electrical stimulation of the vagus
• ISSN: 0097-0549; 1573-899X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11055-017-0403-5

We report here our studies of the effects of electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve on the development of oxygen convulsions and cardiovascular reactions in hyperbaric oxygen (HBO 2 ). The motor signs of the neurotoxic action of HBO 2 were identified in conscious rabbits exposed to O 2 at 5 atm, along with EEG, ECG, external respiration, and brain blood filling in conditions of stimulation of the cervical component of the vagus nerve. Oxygen convulsions were found to be preceded by increased sympathetic tone, with a specific EEG pattern (synchronization of slow waves), changes in the ECG (tachycardia) and respiration (hyperventilation). Vagal stimulation enhanced the parasympathetic component of the autonomic system and significantly delayed the prodromal signs of oxygen toxicity and the onset of convulsions. Afferent spike activity from the visceral organs is regarded as a new target for countering the neurotoxic effects of hyperbaric oxygen.