Vagal Nerve Stimulation Mitigates Pain in Mouse Models of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

Purpose (the aim of the study): Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant global health problem, characterized by cartilage degeneration and associated symptoms such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and functional disability. Limited treatment options required an exploration of novel interventions. Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), FDA-approved for epilepsy and depression, activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, reducing inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis mouse models. We investigated transcutaneous-VNS (tVNS) effects on pain in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) and tibial compression anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture mouse models of OA.