Disrupting neuronal transmission: mechanism of DBS?

Satomi Chiken,Atsushi Nambu

doi:10.3389/fnsys.2014.00033

Abstract

Applying high-frequency stimulation (HFS) to deep brain structure, known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), has now been recognized an effective therapeutic option for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. DBS targeting the basal ganglia thalamo-cortical loop, especially the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN) and thalamus, has been widely employed as a successful surgical therapy for movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and tremor. However, the neurophysiological mechanism underling the action of DBS remains unclear and is still under debate: does DBS inhibit or excite local neuronal elements? In this review, we will examine this question and propose the alternative interpretation: DBS dissociates inputs and outputs, resulting in disruption of abnormal signal transmission.

Highlights

Applying high-frequency electrical stimulation (HFS) to a specific target in subcortical structures, known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), was introduced as a surgical treatment for movement disorders in early 1990s (Benabid et al, 1991, 1994; Siegfried and Lippitz, 1994a,b; Limousin et al, 1995)
DBS has been widely accepted as an effective therapeutic option
Neuronal firings of neighboring neurons were inhibited by subthalamic nucleus (STN)- or globus pallidus (GPi)-DBS (Boraud et al, 1996; Dostrovsky et al, 2000; Wu et al, 2001; Filali et al, 2004; Lafreniere-Roula et al, 2010)

Summary

Satomi Chiken and Atsushi Nambu*

Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences and Department of Physiological Sciences, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Japan. Reviewed by: Alessandro Stefani, University of Rome, Italy Robert S. Applying high-frequency stimulation (HFS) to deep brain structure, known as deep brain stimulation (DBS), has been recognized an effective therapeutic option for a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. DBS targeting the basal ganglia thalamo-cortical loop, especially the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), subthalamic nucleus (STN) and thalamus, has been widely employed as a successful surgical therapy for movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and tremor. We will examine this question and propose the alternative interpretation: DBS dissociates inputs and outputs, resulting in disruption of abnormal signal transmission

INTRODUCTION

Chiken and Nambu

Findings

CONCLUSION