Figure 1.

Experimental design and procedure of taVNS in the LPS-induced endotoxemia in mice. (A) Mice were bilaterally treated with taVNS, followed by the cymba and cavum concha of the vagus innervation area in the ear. (B) Under anesthesia, mice were stimulated with taVNS treatments for 5 or 10 min before and after LPS injection. The animals were euthanized after 2 h of LPS administration, and the whole blood and tissues were collected. (C) Four different taVNS parameters were used during stimulation in this study. (D) Schematic image showing the charge-balanced stimulation waveform of taVNS with low pulse frequency (top) and high pulse frequency (bottom).