CASP3 and ischemic stroke: To examine the stimulation efficiency of VNS by measuring the expression of α7nAChR in neurons and astrocytes, and by determining neurological scores, infarct volume, and neuronal apoptosis. Also, to explore the molecular effects of miR-210 in the VNS response by assaying the levels of three oxidative stress markers and caspase 3 activity in ischemic stroke. Result: significant.