Effect of superior laryngeal nerve neuromodulation on calcitonin secretion in conscious rats and bone mineral density in osteoporosis model rats

Abstract

In recent years, neuromodulation therapy, which is the treatment of diseases by stimulating nerves using a device, has been attracting attention. Our previous study indicated that the low intensity electrical stimulation of intact superior laryngeal nerves (SLN) promoted calcitonin secretion from the thyroid gland in anesthetized rats. Calcitonin inhibits bone resorption by directly suppressing osteoclast functions. In order to apply this discovery to the development of a neuromodulation treatment for osteoporosis, it is necessary to confirm the safety of SLN stimulation and its effect on calcitonin secretion in conscious animals as well as the efficacy of chronic stimulation on bone mineral density in osteoporosis model rats. We introduce our recent research findings on the effects of SLN stimulation in conscious rats in this mini-review article.