Reduced Frontal Nogo-N2 With Uncompromised Response Inhibition During Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation-More Efficient Cognitive Control?

摘要: We have previously shown invasive vagus nerve stimulation to improve attention and working memory alter emotion-attention interaction in patients with refractory epilepsy, suggesting that VNS might be useful the treatment of cognitive impairment. The current research focuses on whether non-invasive, transcutaneous (tVNS) has similar effects VNS. Furthermore, we aimed assess tVNS an impact control general or underlying brain physiology a task mimics everyday life demands where multiple executive functions are engaged while encountering intervening emotional stimuli. Event-related potentials (ERP) evoked such task, specifically centro-parietal P3 frontal N2 were used as biomarkers for allocation required carry out task. A single-blinded, sham-controlled, within-subject study healthy subjects (n = 25) was conducted using Executive Reaction Time Test (RT-test), Go/NoGo engaging along threat-related distractors EEG recorded. at left tragus sham ear lobe alternately delivered throughout To neural activity control, peak amplitudes measured Go NoGo conditions. Task performance assessed RTs different error types reflecting distinct functions, response inhibition.No significant due RT-test observed. For there main effect stimulator status trial type (Go, NoGo) status. Post hoc analysis revealed resulted reduction only condition. No observed nor any emotion. Diminished NoGo-N2 potential unaltered during suggests fewer resources successfully withhold prepotent response. Though caution is warranted, suggest may lead more efficient processing needed successful providing promise its use enhancement.