High-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus suppresses experimental resting tremor in the monkey

D.M Gao, A Benazzouz, B Piallat, K Bressand, I.A Ilinsky, K Kultas-Ilinsky, A.L Benabid
Neuroscience. 1999-01-01; 88(1): 201-212
DOI: 10.1016/S0306-4522(98)00235-8

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1. Neuroscience. 1999 Jan;88(1):201-12. doi: 10.1016/s0306-4522(98)00235-8.

High-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus suppresses experimental
resting tremor in the monkey.

Gao DM(1), Benazzouz A, Piallat B, Bressand K, Ilinsky IA, Kultas-Ilinsky K,
Benabid AL.

Author information:
(1)Department of Physiology, Jinzhou Medical College, Liaoning, People’s
Republic of China.

The effect of high-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus on
parkinsonian-like resting tremor was investigated in two monkeys (Macaca
fascicularis). Unilateral tremor of the arm and leg was induced by electrical
coagulation of the brainstem area including the substantia nigra and the red
nucleus. The tremor was only seen at rest condition with a very stable frequency
of 4.46+/-0.59 Hz (mean+/-S.D.). Apomorphine (0.10-0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) completely
blocked the tremor, suggesting that it was a dopaminergic-dependent symptom just
like the parkinsonian tremor. When the stimulating frequency varied from 20 to
1000 Hz, both mono- and bipolar stimulation (square pulses, 0-5 mA, 0.06 ms) of
the subthalamic nucleus suppressed resting tremor in a frequency-dependent
manner but monopolar stimulation was more effective. These effects remained
stable for more than two years. The present results suggest that the subthalamic
nucleus is involved in the control and mechanism of resting tremor and that the
high-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus can be used as an
alternative therapy in parkinsonian patients with akinesia, rigidity and resting
tremor.

DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(98)00235-8
PMID: 10051201 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

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