Subcutaneous Nerve Stimulation Reduces Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Ambulatory Dogs with Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background Subcutaneous nerve stimulation (ScNS) remodels the stellate ganglion and reduces stellate ganglion nerve activity (SGNA) in dogs. Acute myocardial infarction (MI) increases SGNA through nerve sprouting. Objective To test the hypothesis that ScNS remodels the stellate ganglion and reduces SGNA in ambulatory dogs with acute MI. Methods In the experimental group, a radiotransmitter was implanted during the first sterile surgery to record nerve activity and an electrocardiogram, followed by a second sterile surgery to create MI. The dogs then underwent ScNS for two months. The average SGNA (aSGNA) was compared with a historical control group (N=9) with acute MI monitored for two months without ScNS. Results In the experimental group, the baseline aSGNA and heart rate were 4.08±0.35 μV and 98±12 bpm, respectively. They increased within one week after MI to 6.91±1.91 μV (p=0.007) and 107±10 bpm (p=0.028), respectively, compared with baseline. ScNS reduced aSGNA to 3.46±0.44 μV (p Conclusion ScNS remodels the stellate ganglion, reduces stellate ganglion nerve activity and suppresses cardiac nerve sprouting after acute MI.