Human vagus nerve fascicular anatomy: a microCT segmentation and histological study
biorxiv(2023)
Abstract
Background Previous research has revealed the logical mapping of fascicles in both human somatic and pig vagus nerves, but the organization of fascicles within the human vagus nerve remains largely unknown. Understanding its fascicular arrangement would significantly advance our knowledge of the autonomic nervous system and facilitate studies and application of selective vagus nerve stimulation to avoid off-target effects. The purpose of this study was to trace the thoracic branches of human vagus nerves, investigate their fascicular organization, and analyze the nerves histologically and morphologically.
Methods Both left and right vagus nerves were dissected from human cadavers, preserving the cardiac, recurrent laryngeal, and pulmonary branches. The nerves were prepared, scanned using microCT, and the fascicles segmented and traced from their branching points. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed for morphological analysis and validation of the microCT segmentation. The data was then analyzed and compared between nerves.
Results The organization of the cardiac, pulmonary, and recurrent laryngeal fascicles was observed for a short distance from their entry point into the nerves. Initially, left vagus nerves showed merging of cardiac and pulmonary fascicles, while the recurrent laryngeal fascicles remained separate. In right vagus nerves, the cardiac fascicles merged with both pulmonary and recurrent laryngeal fascicles. MicroCT imaging limitations prevented visualization and tracing of fiber organization within merged fascicles. Immunohistochemistry and morphological analysis revealed that right vagus nerves were larger and had more fascicles than the left and fascicle counts varied along the nerve, indicating anastomoses. The superior cardiac branch was separate from other fascicles near the VNS cuff placement.
Conclusions It is possible that organ-specific fibers may still retain some spatial organization despite most fascicles being merged at cervical level. However, fiber tracing and in vivo studies could provide valuable information beyond microCT to resolve this further. The separate superior cardiac fascicles offer potential for targeted neuromodulation of the heart, benefiting conditions like myocardial infarction, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Overall, the study provides insights into the morphology and anatomy of human vagus nerves. Our findings thereby contribute to the development of selective vagus nerve stimulation strategies for more precise autonomic regulation.
### Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
* ANS
: Autonomic nervous system
CGRP
: Calcitonin gene-related peptide
ChAT
: Choline acetyltransferase
CNS
: Central nervous system
CT
: Computed tomography
d
: Distinguishability
DI
: Designate individual
EIT
: Electrical impedance tomography
fps
: Frames per second
GIT
: Gastrointestinal tract
H&E
: Haemotoxylin and Eosin
HTA
: Human Tissue Authority
I
: Iodine
MBP
: Myelin basic protein
MicroCT
: Micro-computed tomography
NBF
: Neutral buffered formalin
NF
: Neurofilament
NIH
: National Institutes of Health
PNS
: Peripheral nervous system
PRV
: Pseudorabies virus
PsNS
: Parasympathetic nervous system
ROI
: Region of interest
sVNS
: Selective vagus nerve stimulation
TH
: Tyrosine hydroxylase
VNS
: Vagus nerve stimulation
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