Premium
Reversal of Rigidity and Improvement in Motor Performance by Subthalamic High‐frequency Stimulation in MPTP‐treated Monkeys
Author(s) -
Benazzouz Abdelhamid,
Gross Christian,
Féger Jean,
Boraud Thomas,
Bioulac Bernard
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1460-9568.1993.tb00505.x
Subject(s) - subthalamic nucleus , mptp , neuroscience , basal ganglia , parkinsonism , substantia nigra , deep brain stimulation , dopaminergic , dyskinesia , psychology , parkinson's disease , excitatory postsynaptic potential , stimulation , dopamine , medicine , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , central nervous system , disease
In Parkinson's disease the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is associated with global disorganization of basal ganglia activity and, in particular, with increased activity of the excitatory glutamatergic neurons of the subthalamic nucleus. Recent experimental studies have shown that parkinsonian symptoms can be alleviated by selective lesioning of the subthalamic nucleus in monkeys treated with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We measured the effect of high‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in two unilaterally MPTP‐treated monkeys in order to determine whether it was possible to obtain reversible, gradual and controllable functional impairment of this structure. Clinical, mechanographic and electromyographic results demonstrate that this technique can alleviate parkinsonian rigidity and bradykinesia without causing dyskinesia or hemiballismus. This study supports the hypothesis that the subthalamic nucleus and its excitatory projections have an important role in the mechanisms sustaining the expression of parkinsonian motor changes, and suggests that high‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus could be included in treatment for parkinsonism.