The subthalamic nucleus: a possible target for stereotaxic surgery in Parkinson's disease.
Hyperactivity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) projections to the globus pallidus medialis (GPM) has been established as a crucial feature of parkinsonism in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recent experiments blocking the STN glutamatergic output to GPM or lesioning the STN support this concept by showing a dramatic reversal of parkinsonism. We review the role of stereotaxic surgery in the past and the possible future application of subthalamotomy for PD.
Guridi
J
J
Movement Disorders Unit, Clinica Universitaria, Pamplona, Spain.
Luquin
M R
MR
Herrero
M T
MT
Obeso
J A
JA
D000818:Animals; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004298:Dopamine / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005917:Globus Pallidus / Q000503:physiopathology; D000882:Haplorhini; D008297:Male; D009434:Neural Pathways; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000502:physiology; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D013787:Thalamic Nuclei / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology
D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D004298:Dopamine