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Lv H, Yu X, Wang P, Luo M, Luo Y, Lu H, Wang K, Xi A, Wen C, Xu Z. Locus coeruleus tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons mediated the peripheral and central therapeutic effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in MRL/lpr mice. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:49-64. [PMID: 38145753 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in MRL/lpr mice. METHODS MRL/lpr mice were treated with taVNS for ten weeks. Locus coeruleus (LC) tyrosine hydroxylase positive (TH+) neurons were selectively lesioned by stereotactic injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or selectively activated by chemogenetic methods. Sympathetic denervation was conducted by intraperitoneal injection of 6-OHDA. RESULTS TaVNS activated the TH + neurons in LC. TaVNS produced central therapeutic effects by reducing the number of hippocampal microglia, and increasing the number of surviving LC TH+ neurons in MRL/lpr mice. TaVNS also retarded the development of lymphadenectasis and splenomegaly, decreased the proportion of double-negative T (DNT) cells, and alleviated nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. The lesion of LC TH+ neurons eliminated both these central and peripheral therapeutic effects of taVNS, while chemogenetic activation of LC TH+ neurons mimicked most central and peripheral protective effects of taVNS in MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, taVNS regulated the autonomic nervous system in MRL/lpr mice. CONCLUSION This study provides direct evidence that taVNS can retard the development of peripheral and central symptoms of SLE, which is mediated by the LC TH+ neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Lv
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiu Yu
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxian Luo
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yijun Luo
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haimei Lu
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keer Wang
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anran Xi
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zhenghao Xu
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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