Source Paper
Cognitive neurobehavior and synaptic plasticity after vagus nerve stimulation in female rats: Interaction between estrous cycle and neurostimulation
Olsen LK, Jones KA, Sharma B, Ethridge VT, Gargas NM et al.
Bioelectron Med • 2026
Cessation of Breathing Test
Objective: To confirm direct contact between exposed electrodes and the vagus nerve during surgery and verify cuff implantation integrity after healing
Gather these items before starting the experiment. Check off items as you prepare.
Equipment1
WPI
Materials1
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Protocol Steps
Initial surgical confirmation
Conduct cessation of breathing test during surgery to confirm direct contact between exposed electrodes and vagus nerve
View evidence from paper
“direct contact between the exposed electrodes and the VN was confirmed during surgery by conducting the cessation of breathing test”
Apply stimulation parameters
Measure reduction in breathing during application of 30-second train of electrical stimulation
View evidence from paper
“measuring the reduction in breathing during application of a 30 s train of 60 Hz, 0.8 mA constant current, 100 µs duration monophasic pulses”
Post-surgical verification
Repeat cessation of breathing test approximately 10 days after surgery under anesthesia to confirm cuff integrity after healing
View evidence from paper
“~ 10 days post-surgery recovery, animals underwent the cessation of breathing test again while under anesthesia”
Group assignment criteria
Assign animals to VNS group based on achieving at least 30% reduction in respiration during the test
View evidence from paper
“At least a 30% reduction in respiration was needed during the cessation of breathing test to be considered for the VNS group”