Continuous vagal nerve stimulation affects atrial neural remodeling and reduces atrial fibrillation inducibility in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: The effects of continuous vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) on atrial neural remodeling during atrial fibrillation (AF) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that VNS affects atrial neural remodeling and reduces AF inducibility. METHODS: Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: rapid atrial pacing (RAP) group and RAP with VNS group. AF inducibility studies and atrial histologic analyses were performed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Five rabbits of RAP group (5/10) in the RAP group developed sustained AF. None of rabbits in RAP with VNS group had developed AF. The incidence of sustained AF in VNS group was significant lower than that in rapid pacing group (P<.01). Treatment with VNS resulted in a significant reduction in atrial neural remodeling and AF duration (P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: Atrial neural remodeling plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of AF. Modulating autonomic nerve function with VNS can contribute to AF control.