Slaves to the rhythm: Coupling of the subthalamic nucleus-globus pallidus network in Parkinsonian oscillations

摘要

Systems neuroscience approaches to the study of Parkinson's disease seek to understand how the chronic loss of dopamine alters the normal operation of neuronal networks, resulting in the cardinal symptoms (tremor, rigidity, akinesia and bradykinesia). A recurring theme is the combined change in synchronization and oscillation of whole populations of neurons. Both Parkinsonian patients and animal models show enhanced synchrony of firing between neurons within the cortex and the nuclei of the basal ganglia, correlated with a markedly increased oscillation of activity in the beta band (13-30 Hz; Hammond et at. 2007). With mounting evidence that this enhanced beta oscillation is pathological, the priority is to locate its source mechanism(s). Doing so would suggest a locus for targeted chemical, electrical and other interventions for treating Parkinson's disease.