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Vagus nerve stimulation boosts the drive to work for rewards

Author

Listed:
  • Monja P. Neuser

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Vanessa Teckentrup

    (University of Tübingen)

  • Anne Kühnel

    (University of Tübingen
    Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP))

  • Manfred Hallschmid

    (University of Tübingen
    German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD)
    Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the Eberhard Karls University Tübingen)

  • Martin Walter

    (University of Tübingen
    Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg
    University Hospital Jena
    Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology)

  • Nils B. Kroemer

    (University of Tübingen)

Abstract

Interoceptive feedback transmitted via the vagus nerve plays a vital role in motivation by tuning actions according to physiological needs. Whereas vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) reinforces actions in animals, motivational effects elicited by VNS in humans are still largely elusive. Here, we applied non-invasive transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) on the left or right ear while participants exerted effort to earn rewards using a randomized cross-over design (vs. sham). In line with preclinical studies, acute taVNS enhances invigoration of effort, and stimulation on the left side primarily facilitates invigoration for food rewards. In contrast, we do not find conclusive evidence that acute taVNS affects effort maintenance or wanting ratings. Collectively, our results suggest that taVNS enhances reward-seeking by boosting invigoration, not effort maintenance and that the stimulation side affects generalization beyond food reward. Thus, taVNS may enhance the pursuit of prospective rewards which may pave avenues to treat motivational deficiencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Monja P. Neuser & Vanessa Teckentrup & Anne Kühnel & Manfred Hallschmid & Martin Walter & Nils B. Kroemer, 2020. "Vagus nerve stimulation boosts the drive to work for rewards," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-17344-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17344-9
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