Subthalamic deep brain stimulation increases pallidal firing rate and regularity
Experimental Neurology. 2011-06-01; 229(2): 517-521
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.01.020
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Reese R(1), Leblois A, Steigerwald F, Pötter-Nerger M, Herzog J, Mehdorn HM,Deuschl G, Meissner WG, Volkmann J.
Author information:
(1)Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel,Germany.
While high-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-HFS) is highly effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic action remain unclear. Here, we report changes of single-neuron pallidal activity during STN-HFS in a parkinsonian patient. STN-HFS increased firing rate in both segments of the pallidum. Neurons displayed time-locked responses to stimulation pulses, with an early excitation followed by inhibition and late excitation. Finally, pallidal neurons fired more regularly during STN-HFS. The time-locked responses and increased firing regularity may override abnormally patterned pallidal activity, and thereby significantly contribute to the clinical efficacy of STN-HFS in PD.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.01.020
PMID: 21303674