Low frequency stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus modulates electrical activity of subthalamic neurons in the rat.

Electrical stimulation of the rat pedunculopontine nucleus (PPTg) (<25 Hz) synchronized firing of subthalamic neurons (STN) with each stimulus, and a continuous irregular activity often preceded recovery of burst discharges in control as well as in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned animals. Firing was blocked both by increasing frequency of stimulation (>50 Hz) and current intensity (>500 µA). The data suggest that clinically relevant frequencies for PPTg deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease modulate burst discharges in STN neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]