Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40297016›Full record

ReviewFrontiers in neural circuits2025

Vagus nerve stimulation as a predictive coding modulator that enhances feedforward over feedback transmission.

Shinichi Kumagai, Tomoyo Isoguchi Shiramatsu, Kensuke Kawai, Hirokazu Takahashi

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Frontiers in neural circuits, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Shinichi KumagaiDepartment of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Tomoyo Isoguchi ShiramatsuDepartment of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Kensuke KawaiDepartment of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Hirokazu TakahashiDepartment of Mechano-Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention across various neurological and psychiatric conditions, including epilepsy, depression, and stroke rehabilitation; however, its mechanisms of action on neural circuits remain incompletely understood. Here, we present a novel theoretical framework based on predictive coding that conceptualizes VNS effects through differential modulation of feedforward and feedback neural circuits. Based on recent evidence, we propose that VNS shifts the balance between feedforward and feedback processing through multiple neuromodulatory systems, resulting in enhanced feedforward signal transmission. This framework integrates anatomical pathways, receptor distributions, and physiological responses to explain the influence of the VNS on neural dynamics across different spatial and temporal scales. Vagus nerve stimulation may facilitate neural plasticity and adaptive behavior through acetylcholine and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which differentially modulate feedforward and feedback signaling. This mechanistic understanding serves as a basis for interpreting the cognitive and therapeutic outcomes across different clinical conditions. Our perspective provides a unified theoretical framework for understanding circuit-specific VNS effects and suggests new directions for investigating their therapeutic mechanisms.

Indexed as

BrainFeedback, PhysiologicalNeuronal PlasticityVagus NerveVagus Nerve StimulationAnimalsHumansacetylcholinecognitive functiondepressionepilepsynoradrenalineplasticitystroke rehabilitationvagus nerve stimulation

Identifiers

PMID40297016
PMCPMC12034665

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.