The serendipity case of the pedunculopontine nucleus low-frequency brain stimulation: Chasing a gait response, finding sleep, and cognition improvement

37Citations
Citations of this article
97Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an efficacious therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD) but its effects on non-motor facets may be detrimental. The low-frequency stimulation (LFS) of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN or the nucleus tegmenti pedunculopontini-PPTg-) opened new perspectives. In our hands, PPTg-LFS revealed a modest influence on gait but increased sleep quality and degree of attentiveness. At odds with potential adverse events following STN-DBS, executive functions, under PPTg-ON, ameliorated. A recent study comparing both targets found that only PPTg-LFS improved night-time sleep and daytime sleepiness. Chances are that different neurosurgical groups influence either the PPN sub-portion identified as pars dissipata (more interconnected with GPi/STN) or the caudal PPN region known as pars compacta, preferentially targeting intralaminar and associative nucleus of the thalamus. Yet, the wide electrical field delivered affects a plethora of en passant circuits, and a fine distinction on the specific pathways involved is elusive. This review explores our angle of vision, by which PPTg-LFS activates cholinergic and glutamatergic ascending fibers, influencing non-motor behaviors. © 2013 Stefani.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Stefani, A., Peppe, A., Galati, S., Bassi, S. M., D’Angelo, V., & Pierantozzi, M. (2013). The serendipity case of the pedunculopontine nucleus low-frequency brain stimulation: Chasing a gait response, finding sleep, and cognition improvement. Frontiers in Neurology, 4 JUN. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2013.00068

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free