Reversal of experimental parkinsonism by lesions of the subthalamic nucleus.
Although it is known that Parkinson's disease results from a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, the resulting alterations in activity in the basal ganglia responsible for parkinsonian motor deficits are still poorly characterized. Recently, increased activity in the subthalamic nucleus has been implicated in the motor abnormalities. To test this hypothesis, the effects of lesions of the subthalamic nucleus were evaluated in monkeys rendered parkinsonian by treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The lesions reduced all of the major motor disturbances in the contralateral limbs, including akinesia, rigidity, and tremor. This result supports the postulated role of excessive activity in the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinson's disease.
Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21205.
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Bergman
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Wichmann
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DeLong
D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007051:Ibotenic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced; D010487:Periaqueductal Gray / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D007051:Ibotenic Acid; D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine