Running exercise improves spatial learning and memory ability and enhances angiogenesis in the cerebral cortex via endogenous nitric oxide.

Background: The molecular mechanisms by which exercise improves brain function and capillaries in the cerebral cortex are unclear. Exercise can increase the expression of nitric oxide (NO) in the brain, and endogenous NO is thought to exert beneficial effects on proangiogenic factors, antiangiogenic factors and brain function. Therefore, we hypothesized that running exercise might improve brain function and enhance angiogenesis through endogenous NO.

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Promotes White Matter Repair and Improves Dysphagia Symptoms in Cerebral Ischemia Model Rats.

Background: Clinical and animal studies have shown that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) exerts neuroprotection following cerebral ischemia. Studies have revealed that white matter damage after ischemia is related to swallowing defects, and the degree of white matter damage is related to the severity of dysphagia. However, the effect of ta-VNS on dysphagia symptoms and white matter damage in dysphagic animals after an ischemic stroke has not been investigated.

Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at auricular concha region in promoting of rehabilitation of ischemic stroke patients with upper limb motor dysfunction: A study protocol for a randomized pilot trial.

Introduction: Ischemic stroke (IS) is the one of the most severe neurological disease, survivors may live with upper limb motor dysfunction (ULMD) resulting in heavy social and economic burden. Nowadays, there are few approaches to promote the rehabilitation of ULMD. Auricular acupuncture (electroacupuncture [EA]) has long been used in the treatment of neurological disorders in China.

Vagus nerve stimulation mediates microglia M1/2 polarization via inhibition of TLR4 pathway after ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of death and disability. Microglia are polarized toward the proinflammatory M1 phenotype and neuroprotective M2 phenotype after stroke and play an important role in the pathological process of ischemic stroke. Emerging research suggests that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can mediate microglia polarization after ischemic stroke and may serve as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke.