Inhibition of the development of collagen-induced arthritis in Wistar rats through vagus nerve suspension: a 3-month observation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: In this study, we have investigated the effects of vagus nerve suspension in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) . MATERIALS AND TREATMENT: CIA was induced in male Wistar rats and vagus nerve suspension or sham operation was performed on day 10 after the second immunization. All rats were monitored for macroscopic signs of clinical arthritis and cytokine titres within 2 months after the second immunization. Radiological and histological examination were performed 3 months after the second immunization. RESULTS: Rats subjected to vagus nerve suspension (the test group) showed nerve activities that resemble electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve in the control group. Compared to control, the test group had reduced soft-tissue swelling, arthritic scores, TNF-alpha level and Collagen-II antibody titre, throughout the course of the experiment. Sham operation produced similar suppression on the CIA symptoms as the test group but most of the effects produced by sham operation subsided after 27 or 35 days. CONCLUSION: Vagus nerve suspension is a novel approach to achieve sustained long-term stimulation of the vague nerve. This procedure can suppress the development of CIA in rats.