Left cervical vagal nerve stimulation reduces skin sympathetic nerve activity in patients with drug resistant epilepsy.

Background: We recently reported that skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) can be used to estimate sympathetic tone in humans. In animal models, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) can damage the stellate ganglion, reduce stellate ganglion nerve activity, and suppress cardiac arrhythmia. Whether VNS can suppress sympathetic tone in humans remains unclear.

Simultaneous noninvasive recording of skin sympathetic nerve activity and electrocardiogram.

Background: Sympathetic nerve activity is important to cardiac arrhythmogenesis.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a method for simultaneous noninvasive recording of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) and electrocardiogram (ECG) using conventional ECG electrodes. This method (neuECG) can be used to adequately estimate sympathetic tone.

Reassessing Risk Factors for High Defibrillation Threshold: The EF-SAGA Risk Score and Implications for Device Testing.

Objectives: To reevaluate risk factors for high defibrillation threshold (DFT) and propose a risk assessment tool.

Background: Controversy exists over routine DFT testing during implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,642 consecutive patients who received an ICD and underwent DFT testing.

Suppression of food intake by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists: relative potencies and role of dipeptidyl peptidase-4.

Administration of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists GLP-1 and exendin-4 (Ex-4) directly into the central nervous system decreases food intake. But although Ex-4 potently suppresses food intake after peripheral administration, the effects of parenteral GLP-1 are variable and not as strong. A plausible explanation for these effects is the rapid inactivation of circulating GLP-1 by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme that does not alter Ex-4 activity.