Pathological basal ganglia activity in movement disorders

Motor cortex activation mediates associations between striatal dopamine depletion and manual dexterity in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Parkinson's disease (PD) presents with a progressive decline in manual dexterity, attributed to dysfunction in the basal ganglia-thalamus-cortex loop, influenced by dopaminergic deficits in the striatum. Recent research suggests that the motor cortex may play a pivotal role in mediating the relationship between striatal dopamine depletion and motor function in PD. Understanding this connection is crucial for comprehending the origins of manual dexterity impairments in PD. Therefore, our study aimed to explore how motor cortex activation mediates the association between striatal dopamine depletion and manual dexterity in PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 26 mildly affected PD patients in their off-medication phase to undergo [18F]FDOPA PET/CT scans for evaluating striatal dopaminergic function. EEG recordings were conducted during bimanual anti-phase finger tapping tasks to evaluate motor cortex activity, specifically focusing on Event-Related Desynchronization in the beta band. Manual dexterity was assessed using the Purdue Pegboard Test. Regression-based mediation analysis was conducted to examine whether motor cortex activation mediates the association between striatal dopamine depletion and manual dexterity in PD.

RESULTS

Mediation analysis revealed a significant direct effect of putamen dopamine depletion on manual dexterity for the affected hand and assembly tasks (performed with two hands), with motor cortex activity mediating this association. In contrast, while caudate nucleus dopamine depletion showed a significant direct effect on manual dexterity, motor cortex mediation on this association was not observed.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms the association between striatum dopamine depletion and impaired manual dexterity in PD, with motor cortex activity mediating this relationship.

Hyperkinetic and Hypokinetic Movement Disorders in SSPE: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series

Background

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) typically presents with periodic myoclonus; however, a spectrum of movement disorders including dystonia, chorea, tremor, and parkinsonism have also been described. This review aims to evaluate the array of movement disorders in SSPE, correlating them with neuroimaging findings, disease stages, and patient outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive review of published case reports and case series was conducted on patients with SSPE exhibiting movement disorders other than periodic myoclonus. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the protocol was registered with PROSPERO (2023 CRD42023434650). A comprehensive search of multiple databases yielded 37 reports detailing 39 patients. Dyken's criteria were used for SSPE diagnosis, and the International Movement Disorders Society definitions were applied to categorize movement disorders.

Results

The majority of patients were male, with an average age of 13.8 years. Approximately, 80% lacked a reliable vaccination history, and 39% had prior measles infections. Dystonia was the most common movement disorder (49%), followed by parkinsonism and choreoathetosis. Rapid disease progression was noted in 64% of cases, with a disease duration of ≤6 months in 72%. Neuroimaging showed T2/FLAIR MR hyperintensities, primarily periventricular, with 26% affecting the basal ganglia/thalamus. Brain biopsies revealed inflammatory and neurodegenerative changes. Over half of the patients (56%) reached an akinetic mute state or died.

Conclusion

SSPE is associated with diverse movement disorders, predominantly hyperkinetic. The prevalence of dystonia suggests basal ganglia dysfunction.

Time series modeling characterizes stride time variability to identify individuals with neurodegenerative disorders

The progressive death and dysfunction of neurons causes altered stride-to-stride variability in individuals with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's Disease (HD). Yet these altered gait dynamics can manifest differently in these populations based on how and where these neurodegenerative disorders attack the central nervous system. Time series analyses can quantify differences in stride time variability which can help contribute to the detection and identification of these disorders. Here, autoregressive modeling time series analysis was utilized to quantify differences in stride time variability amongst the Controls, the individuals with ALS, and the individuals with HD. For this study, fifteen Controls, 12 individuals with ALS and 15 individuals with HD walked up and down a hallway continuously for 5-min. Participants wore force sensitive resistors in their shoes to collect stride time data. A second order autoregressive (AR) model was fit to the time series created from the stride time data. The mean stride time and two AR model coefficients served as metrics to identify differences in stride time variability amongst the three groups. The individuals with HD walked with significantly greater stride time variability indicating a more chaotic gait while the individuals with ALS adopted more ordered, less variable stride time dynamics (p < 0.001). A plot of the stride time metrics illustrated how each group exhibited significantly different stride time dynamics. The stride time metrics successfully quantified differences in stride time variability amongst individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. This work provided valuable insight about how these neuromuscular disorders disrupt motor coordination leading to the adoption of new gait dynamics.

Neuronal and synaptic adaptations underlying the benefits of deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established and effective treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD), yet its underlying mechanisms remain enigmatic. Optogenetics, primarily conducted in animal models, provides a unique approach that allows cell type- and projection-specific modulation that mirrors the frequency-dependent stimulus effects of DBS. Opto-DBS research in animal models plays a pivotal role in unraveling the neuronal and synaptic adaptations that contribute to the efficacy of DBS in PD treatment. DBS-induced neuronal responses rely on a complex interplay between the distributions of presynaptic inputs, frequency-dependent synaptic depression, and the intrinsic excitability of postsynaptic neurons. This orchestration leads to conversion of firing patterns, enabling both antidromic and orthodromic modulation of neural circuits. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for decoding position- and programming-dependent effects of DBS. Furthermore, patterned stimulation is emerging as a promising strategy yielding long-lasting therapeutic benefits. Research on the neuronal and synaptic adaptations to DBS may pave the way for the development of more enduring and precise modulation patterns. Advanced technologies, such as adaptive DBS or directional electrodes, can also be integrated for circuit-specific neuromodulation. These insights hold the potential to greatly improve the effectiveness of DBS and advance PD treatment to new levels.

Electrophysiological insights into deep brain stimulation of the network disorder dystonia

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), a treatment for modulating the abnormal central neuronal circuitry, has become the standard of care nowadays and is sometimes the only option to reduce symptoms of movement disorders such as dystonia. However, on the one hand, there are still open questions regarding the pathomechanisms of dystonia and, on the other hand, the mechanisms of DBS on neuronal circuitry. That lack of knowledge limits the therapeutic effect and makes it hard to predict the outcome of DBS for individual dystonia patients. Finding electrophysiological biomarkers seems to be a promising option to enable adapted individualised DBS treatment. However, biomarker search studies cannot be conducted on patients on a large scale and experimental approaches with animal models of dystonia are needed. In this review, physiological findings of deep brain stimulation studies in humans and animal models of dystonia are summarised and the current pathophysiological concepts of dystonia are discussed.

Nanowired delivery of antibodies to tau and neuronal nitric oxide synthase together with cerebrolysin attenuates traumatic brain injury induced exacerbation of brain pathology in Parkinson's disease

Concussive head injury (CHI) is one of the major risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease in later life of military personnel affecting lifetime functional and cognitive disturbances. Till date no suitable therapies are available to attenuate CHI or PD induced brain pathology. Thus, further exploration of novel therapeutic agents are highly warranted using nanomedicine in enhancing the quality of life of veterans or service members of US military. Since PD or CHI induces oxidative stress and perturbs neurotrophic factors regulation associated with phosphorylated tau (p-tau) deposition, a possibility exists that nanodelivery of agents that could enhance neurotrophic factors balance and attenuate oxidative stress could be neuroprotective in nature. In this review, nanowired delivery of cerebrolysin-a balanced composition of several neurotrophic factors and active peptide fragments together with monoclonal antibodies to neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with p-tau antibodies was examined in PD following CHI in model experiments. Our results suggest that combined administration of nanowired antibodies to nNOS and p-tau together with cerebrolysin significantly attenuated CHI induced exacerbation of PD brain pathology. This combined treatment also has beneficial effects in CHI or PD alone, not reported earlier.

Impact of manganese accumulation on Na,K-ATPase expression and function in the cerebellum and striatum of C57Bl/6 mice

Overexposure to Mn causes a neurological disorder-manganism-with motor symptoms that overlap closely with disorders associated with haploinsufficiency in the gene encoding for α3 isoform of Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA). The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that behavioral changes in the mouse model of manganism may be associated with changes in the expression and activity of α3 NKA in the cerebellum (CB) and striatum (STR)-the key brain structures responsible for motor control in adult mice. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to MnCl2 at 0.5 g/L (in drinking water) for up to eight weeks. After four weeks of Mn consumption, Mn levels were increased in the CB only. Behavioral tests demonstrated decreased performance of Mn-treated mice in the shuttle box test (third through sixth weeks), and the inclined grid walking test (first through sixth weeks), suggesting the development of learning impairment, decreased locomotion, and motor discoordination. The activity of NKA significantly decreased, and the expression of α1-α3 isoforms of NKA increased in the second week in the CB only. Thus, signs of learning and motor disturbances developing in this model of manganism are unlikely to be directly linked to disturbances in the expression or activity of NKA in the CB or STR. Whether these early changes may contribute to the pathogenesis of later behavioral deficits remains to be determined.

Basal ganglia for beginners: the basic concepts you need to know and their role in movement control

The basal ganglia are a subcortical collection of interacting clusters of cell bodies, and are involved in reward, emotional, and motor circuits. Within all the brain processing necessary to carry out voluntary movement, the basal nuclei are fundamental, as they modulate the activity of the motor regions of the cortex. Despite being much studied, the motor circuit of the basal ganglia is still difficult to understand for many people at all, especially undergraduate and graduate students. This review article seeks to bring the functioning of this circuit with a simple and objective approach, exploring the functional anatomy, neurochemistry, neuronal pathways, related diseases, and interactions with other brain regions to coordinate voluntary movement.

The Effects of a Single Session of a Rhythmic Movement Program on Selected Biopsychological Parameters in PD Patients: A Methodological Approach

The aim of the present study is to examine the acute effects of a specially designed musicokinetic (MSK) program for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) on (a) anxiety levels, (b) select kinematic and kinetic parameters, and (c) frontal cortex hemodynamic responses, during gait initiation and steady-state walking. Methods: This is a blind cross-over randomized control trial (RCT) in which 13 volunteers with PD will attend a 45 min MSK program under the following conditions: (a) a synchronous learning format and (b) an asynchronous remote video-based format. Changes in gait biomechanics and frontal cortex hemodynamic responses will be examined using a 10-camera 3D motion analysis (Vicon T-series, Oxford, UK), and a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (f-NIRS-Portalite, Artinis NL) system, respectively, while anxiety levels will be evaluated using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Expected results: Guided by the rules of music, where periodicity is distinct, our specially designed MSK program may eventually be beneficial in improving motor difficulties and, hence, reducing anxiety. The combined implementation of f-NIRS in parallel with 3D gait analysis has yet to be evaluated in Parkinsonian patients following a MSK intervention. It is expected that the aforementioned intervention, through better rhythmicity, may improve the automatization of motor control, gait kinematics, and kinetics-supported by decreased frontal cortex hemodynamic activity-which may be linked to reduced anxiety levels.

External globus pallidus input to the dorsal striatum regulates habitual seeking behavior in male mice

The external globus pallidus (GPe) coordinates action-selection through GABAergic projections throughout the basal ganglia. GPe arkypallidal (arky) neurons project exclusively to the dorsal striatum, which regulates goal-directed and habitual seeking. However, the role of GPe arky neurons in reward-seeking remains unknown. Here, we identified that a majority of arky neurons target the dorsolateral striatum (DLS). Using fiber photometry, we found that arky activities were higher during random interval (RI; habit) compared to random ratio (RR; goal) operant conditioning. Support vector machine analysis demonstrated that arky neuron activities have sufficient information to distinguish between RR and RI behavior. Genetic ablation of this arkyGPe→DLS circuit facilitated a shift from goal-directed to habitual behavior. Conversely, chemogenetic activation globally reduced seeking behaviors, which was blocked by systemic D1R agonism. Our findings reveal a role of this arkyGPe→DLS circuit in constraining habitual seeking in male mice, which is relevant to addictive behaviors and other compulsive disorders.

A dual Purkinje cell rate and synchrony code sculpts reach kinematics

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) encode movement kinematics in their population firing rates. Firing rate suppression is hypothesized to disinhibit neurons in the cerebellar nuclei, promoting adaptive movement adjustments. Debates persist, however, about whether a second disinhibitory mechanism, PC simple spike synchrony, is a relevant population code. We addressed this question by relating PC rate and synchrony patterns recorded with high density probes, to mouse reach kinematics. We discovered behavioral correlates of PC synchrony that align with a known causal relationship between activity in cerebellar output. Reach deceleration was positively correlated with both Purkinje firing rate decreases and synchrony, consistent with both mechanisms disinhibiting target neurons, which are known to adjust reach velocity. Direct tests of the contribution of each coding scheme to nuclear firing using dynamic clamp, combining physiological rate and synchrony patterns ex vivo, confirmed that physiological levels of PC simple spike synchrony are highly facilitatory for nuclear firing. These findings suggest that PC firing rate and synchrony collaborate to exert fine control of movement.

Does Black vs. White race affect practitioners' appraisal of Parkinson's disease?

Black patients are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) at half the rate as White patients. The reasons for this large disparity are unknown. Here, we review evidence that practitioner bias may contribute. A key sign of PD is hypomimia or decreased facial expressivity. However, practitioner bias surrounding facial expressivity in Black people versus White people may lead practitioners to appraise Black patients with hypomimia as having higher levels of facial expressivity. Furthermore, practitioner bias may cause them to characterize reduced facial expressivity as being due to negative personality traits, as opposed to a medical sign, in Black patients with hypomimia. This racial bias in the evaluation of hypomimia in Black versus White patients could profoundly impact subsequent referral decisions and rates of diagnosis of PD. Therefore, exploring these differences is expected to facilitate addressing health care disparities through earlier and more accurate detection of PD in Black patients.

DYT1 dystonia: Neurophysiological properties of the pallidal activity

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to find the differences in the physiology of the pallidal neurons in DYT1 and non-DYT1 dystonia.

METHODS

We performed microelectrode recording of the single unit activity in both segments of the globus pallidus during stereotactic implantation of electrodes for deep brain stimulation (DBS).

RESULTS

We found a reduced firing rate, reduced burst rate, and increased pause index in both pallidal segments in DYT1. Also, in DYT1 the activity in both pallidal segments was similar, but not so in non-DYT1.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest a common pathological focus for both pallidal segments, located in the striatum. We also speculate that strong striatal influence on GPi and GPe overrides other input sources to the pallidal nuclei causing similarity in neuronal activity.

SIGNIFICANCE

We found significant differences in neuronal activity between DYT1 and non-DYT1 neurons. Our findings shed light on the pathophysiology of DYT-1 dystonia which can be very different from non-DYT1 dystonia and have other efficient treatment tactics.

[Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer type dementia-Pathophysiology and drug treatment approaches]

Symptomatically effective forms of treatment for neurodegenerative diseases have been developed in the last 50 years based on the knowledge about the pathophysiological and neurochemical context in the central nervous system. These so far represent the basis of available treatment options. Knowledge of the pathophysiological and neurochemical context, however, is not only necessary for the development of treatment but also enables a meaningful implementation of currently available substances. The most important neuropathological and neurochemical alterations that characterize Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer type dementia are briefly presented. In recent years, new substances ranging from symptomatic to disease-modifying treatment options have been developed, the latter mostly based on the neuropathologically detectable alterations. Recent results from clinical studies raise hopes that disease-modifying treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases will become available in the foreseeable future.

Synaptic Dysfunction in Dystonia: Update From Experimental Models

Dystonia, the third most common movement disorder, refers to a heterogeneous group of neurological diseases characterized by involuntary, sustained or intermittent muscle contractions resulting in repetitive twisting movements and abnormal postures. In the last few years, several studies on animal models helped expand our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying dystonia. These findings have reinforced the notion that the synaptic alterations found mainly in the basal ganglia and cerebellum, including the abnormal neurotransmitters signalling, receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity, are a common hallmark of different forms of dystonia. In this review, we focus on the major contribution provided by rodent models of DYT-TOR1A, DYT-THAP1, DYT-GNAL, DYT/ PARK-GCH1, DYT/PARK-TH and DYT-SGCE dystonia, which reveal that an abnormal motor network and synaptic dysfunction represent key elements in the pathophysiology of dystonia.

Rhythmic cueing, dance, resistance training, and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize evidence associated with the functional and clinical effectiveness of rhythmic cueing, dance, or resistance training (RT) on motor and non-motor parameters in Parkinson's Disease patients, and to provide a comparative perspective not offered by existing systematic reviews.

Methodology

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies retained no restrictions in methodological design and included interventions of rhythmic cueing, dance, RT, and measurements of motor and non-motor parameters. Animal studies, reviews, editorials, conferences, magazines, and gray literature articles were excluded. Two independent investigators searched Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus from the date of their inception until 1 June 2021. The ROBINS-I tool was employed for the non-randomized controlled trials, and the updated for Risk of Bias 2 tool of Cochrane Library used for randomized controlled trials. For meta-analyses, the RevMan 5.4.13 software was used. For incompatible meta-analysis studies, a narrative data synthesis was conducted.

Results

A total of 49 studies included in the systematic review involving 3767 PD participants. Meta-analyses revealed that rhythmic cueing training assists gait velocity (p = 0.01), stride length (p = 0.01), and motor symptoms (p = 0.03). Similarly, dance training benefits stride length (p = 0.05), lower extremity function-TUG (p = 0.01), and motor symptoms (p = 0.01), whilst RT improves lower extremity function-TUG (p = 0.01), quality of life (p = 0.01), knee flexion (p = 0.02), and leg press (p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses have shown non-significant differences in gait velocity (p = 0.26), stride length (p = 0.80), functional mobility-TUG (p = 0.74), motor symptoms-UPDRS-III (p = 0.46), and quality of life-PDQ39 (p = 0.44).

Conclusion

Rhythmic cueing, dance, or RT positively affect the examined outcomes, with rhythmic cueing to be associated with three outcomes (Gait, Stride, and UPDRS-III), dance with three outcomes (TUG, Stride, and UPDRS-III), and RT with two outcomes (TUG and PDQ-39). Subgroup analyses confirmed the beneficial effects of these forms of exercise. Clinicians should entertain the idea of more holistic exercise protocols aiming at improving PD manifestations.International Prospective Register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (registration number: CRD42020212380).

Voluntary Exercise Boosts Striatal Dopamine Release: Evidence for the Necessary and Sufficient Role of BDNF

Physical exercise improves motor performance in individuals with Parkinson's disease and elevates mood in those with depression. Although underlying factors have not been identified, clues arise from previous studies showing a link between cognitive benefits of exercise and increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Here, we investigated the influence of voluntary wheel-running exercise on BDNF levels in the striatum of young male wild-type (WT) mice, and on the striatal release of a key motor-system transmitter, dopamine (DA). Mice were allowed unlimited access to a freely rotating wheel (runners) or a locked wheel (controls) for 30 d. Electrically evoked DA release was quantified in ex vivo corticostriatal slices from these animals using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. We found that exercise increased BDNF levels in dorsal striatum (dStr) and increased DA release in dStr and in nucleus accumbens core and shell. Increased DA release was independent of striatal acetylcholine (ACh), and persisted after a week of rest. We tested a role for BDNF in the influence of exercise on DA release using mice that were heterozygous for BDNF deletion (BDNF+/-). In contrast to WT mice, evoked DA release did not differ between BDNF+/- runners and controls. Complementary pharmacological studies using a tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) agonist in WT mouse slices showed that TrkB receptor activation also increased evoked DA release throughout striatum in an ACh-independent manner. Together, these data support a causal role for BDNF in exercise-enhanced striatal DA release and provide mechanistic insight into the beneficial effects of exercise in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's, depression, and anxiety.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exercise has been shown to improve movement and cognition in humans and rodents. Here, we report that voluntary exercise for 30 d leads to an increase in evoked DA release throughout the striatum and an increase in BDNF in the dorsal (motor) striatum. The increase in DA release appears to require BDNF, indicated by the absence of DA release enhancement with running in BDNF+/- mice. Activation of BDNF receptors using a pharmacological agonist was also shown to boost DA release. Together, these data support a necessary and sufficient role for BDNF in exercise-enhanced DA release and provide mechanistic insight into the reported benefits of exercise in individuals with dopamine-linked neuropsychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease and depression.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has widespread use in research and clinical application. For psychiatric applications, such as depression or OCD, repetitive TMS protocols (rTMS) are an established and globally applied treatment option. While promising, rTMS is not yet as common in treating neurological diseases, except for neurorehabilitation after (motor) stroke and neuropathic pain treatment. This may soon change. New clinical studies testing the potential of rTMS in various other neurological conditions appear at a rapid pace. This can prove challenging for both practitioners and clinical researchers. Although most of these neurological applications have not yet received the same level of scientific/empirical scrutiny as motor stroke and neuropathic pain, the results are encouraging, opening new doors for TMS in neurology. We here review the latest clinical evidence for rTMS in pioneering neurological applications including movement disorders, Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and disorders of consciousness.

A practical guide to invasive neurophysiology in patients with deep brain stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) offers the unique opportunity to record human neural population activity as multiunit activity and local field potentials (LFP) directly from the target area in the depth of the brain. This has led to important discoveries through characterization of pathological activity patterns and identification of motor and cognitive correlates of basal ganglia function in patients with movement disorders. These findings have been covered extensively in a large body of literature, but the technical aspects of microelectrode and LFP recordings in DBS patients are rarely reported. This review summarizes the experience from invasive neurophysiology experiments in over 500 DBS cases in the last 20 years in a single centre. It introduces the basics of intraoperative microelectrode recordings, discusses the neurophysiological and technical aspects of LFP signals and gives and outlook on current and next-generation developments - from sensing enabled implantable devices to combined electrocorticography and LFP recordings during adaptive DBS.

A review: traditional herbs and remedies impacting pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to misbalance and loss of coordination. Current therapies are claimed only for symptomatic relief, on long-term use, which causes alteration in basal ganglia, and give rise to various adverse effects like dyskinesia and extra pyramidal side effects, which is reversed and proved to be attenuated with the help of various herbal approaches. Therefore, in order to attenuate the dopaminergic complications, focus of current research has been shifted from dopaminergic to non-dopaminergic strategies. Herbs and herbal remedies seems to be a better option to overcome the complications associated with current dopaminergic therapies. In recent years, various herbs and herbal remedies based on Ayurveda, traditional Chinese and Korean remedies, have become the target of various researches. These herbs and their bioactive compound are being extensively used to treat PD in India, China, Japan, and Korea. The major focus of this current review is to analyze preclinical studies with reference to various herbs, bioactive compounds, and traditional remedies for the management of Parkinson disorder, which will give an insight towards clinical trials.

Ameliorative role of Syzygium aromaticum aqueous extract on synaptosomal tyrosine hydroxylase activity, oxidative stress parameters, and behavioral changes in lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice

This study reports the protective role of the aqueous extract of Syzygium aromaticum (ESA) against lead (Pb)-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Thirty male mice weighing between 18 g and 25 g were randomly divided into five groups. (1) Group 1 (control group), (2) group 2 (Pb-test group): was administered with a solution containing 0.1% (w/v) of lead acetate (PbAc), (3) group 3 (ESA + Pb100 group): was administered with 0.1% (w/v) of PbAc followed by 100 mg/kg of S. aromaticum extract by gavage, (4) group 4 (ESA + Pb200): was administered with 0.1% (w/v) of PbAc followed by 200 mg/kg of S. aromaticum extract, and (5) group 5 (ESA-group): was administered with 100 mg/kg of S. aromaticum. Level of lead was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cerebral cortex synaptosomes prepared from mice administered orally with lead-acetate shown a significantly increased (p < .05) in tyrosine hydroxylase and protein carbonyl level and significantly decreased (p < .05) superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione transferase activities. Also, there was a significant increase in brain lead concentration level, however, it was observed that S. aromaticum significantly reduced (p < .05) the level of lead at all tested doses. S. aromaticum rescued cerebral cortex synaptosomes from lead-induced neurotoxicity by relieving oxidative stress and abating elevated tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Moreover, S. aromaticum at the different dose grade (100 mg and 200 mg) abrogated the loss of motor performance in mice groups induced with lead. Altogether, our findings showed that S. aromaticum possesses antioxidant and neuro-modulatory potential against lead-induced neuronal damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Environmental pollution with heavy metals is a known public health concern and their incremental concentrations in soil and water have risen to an unprecedented degree. Lead is one of the top 10 contaminants on the WHO's list of substances of greatest public health concern that impact the brain. However, exogenous natural bioactive supplements molecules could be one of the remedies to reduce Pb-induced toxicity. Our findings indicate therefore that, S. aromaticum could be a good fit for lowering Pb neurotoxicity and could be suggested as a neuroprotective molecule against neurodegenerative diseases involving catecholaminergic dysfunction induced by metallic elements.

A light-inducible protein clustering system for in vivo analysis of α-synuclein aggregation in Parkinson disease

Neurodegenerative disorders refer to a group of diseases commonly associated with abnormal protein accumulation and aggregation in the central nervous system. However, the exact role of protein aggregation in the pathophysiology of these disorders remains unclear. This gap in knowledge is due to the lack of experimental models that allow for the spatiotemporal control of protein aggregation, and the investigation of early dynamic events associated with inclusion formation. Here, we report on the development of a light-inducible protein aggregation (LIPA) system that enables spatiotemporal control of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation into insoluble deposits called Lewy bodies (LBs), the pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease (PD) and other proteinopathies. We demonstrate that LIPA-α-syn inclusions mimic key biochemical, biophysical, and ultrastructural features of authentic LBs observed in PD-diseased brains. In vivo, LIPA-α-syn aggregates compromise nigrostriatal transmission, induce neurodegeneration and PD-like motor impairments. Collectively, our findings provide a new tool for the generation, visualization, and dissection of the role of α-syn aggregation in PD.

Deep brain stimulation for movement disorder treatment: exploring frequency-dependent efficacy in a computational network model

A large-scale computational model of the basal ganglia network and thalamus is proposed to describe movement disorders and treatment effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS). The model of this complex network considers three areas of the basal ganglia region: the subthalamic nucleus (STN) as target area of DBS, the globus pallidus, both pars externa and pars interna (GPe-GPi), and the thalamus. Parkinsonian conditions are simulated by assuming reduced dopaminergic input and corresponding pronounced inhibitory or disinhibited projections to GPe and GPi. Macroscopic quantities are derived which correlate closely to thalamic responses and hence motor programme fidelity. It can be demonstrated that depending on different levels of striatal projections to the GPe and GPi, the dynamics of these macroscopic quantities (synchronisation index, mean synaptic activity and response efficacy) switch from normal to Parkinsonian conditions. Simulating DBS of the STN affects the dynamics of the entire network, increasing the thalamic activity to levels close to normal, while differing from both normal and Parkinsonian dynamics. Using the mentioned macroscopic quantities, the model proposes optimal DBS frequency ranges above 130 Hz.

Investigating the Anatomy and Microstructure of the Dentato-rubro-thalamic and Subthalamo-ponto-cerebellar Tracts in Parkinson's Disease

Cerebellar-thalamic connections play a central role in deep brain stimulation-based treatment of tremor syndromes. Here, we used diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tractography to delineate the main cerebellar peduncles as well as two main white matter tracts that connect the cerebellum with the thalamus, the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract (DRTT) and the subthalamo-ponto-cerebellar tract (SPCT). We first developed a reconstruction protocol in young healthy adults with high-resolution diffusion imaging data and then demonstrate feasibility of transferring this protocol to clinical studies using standard diffusion MRI data from a cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their matched healthy controls. The tracts obtained closely corresponded to the previously described anatomical pathways and features of the DRTT and the SPCT. Second, we investigated the microstructure of these tracts with fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and hindrance modulated orientational anisotropy (HMOA) in patients with PD and healthy controls. By reducing dimensionality of both the microstructural metrics and the investigated cerebellar and cerebellar-thalamic tracts using principal component analyses, we found global differences between patients with PD and controls, suggestive of higher fractional anisotropy, lower radial diffusivity, and higher hindrance modulated orientational anisotropy in patients. However, separate analyses for each of the tracts did not yield any significant differences. Our findings contribute to the characterization of the distinct anatomical connections between the cerebellum and the diencephalon. Microstructural differences between patients and controls in the cerebellar pathways suggest involvement of these structures in PD, complementing previous functional and diffusion imaging studies.

Autoradiographic labelling of 5-HT3 receptors in the hemi-parkinsonian rat brain

L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) is the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's disease, but its effectiveness during early disease is marred by the eventual development of L-DOPA induced dyskinesia. In hemi-parkinsonian rats, the serotonin type 3 (5-HT₃) antagonists ondansetron and granisetron alleviated dyskinesia induced by L-DOPA without impeding its anti-parkinsonian action; in parkinsonian marmosets, ondansetron alleviated dyskinesia and enhanced L-DOPA anti-parkinsonian action. Here, we sought to gain insight into the mechanisms governing the anti-dyskinetic action of 5-HT₃ antagonists and measured their levels across different brain, using [³H]GR65630 autoradiographic binding. Brain sections were chosen from 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rats exhibiting abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs), as well as L-DOPA-naïve 6-OHDA and sham-lesioned animals. [³H]GR65630 binding increased in the ipsilateral subthalamic nucleus of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats with mild and severe AIMs, (3-fold changes, P < 0.001). [³H]GR65630 binding also increased in the ipsilateral entopeduncular nucleus and thalamus of 6-OHDA-lesioned rats with severe AIMs (75% and 88%, P < 0.05). AIMs scores negatively correlated with [³H]GR65630 binding in the ipsilateral dorsolateral striatum and contralateral subthalamic nucleus (P < 0.05). These results suggest that alterations in 5-HT₃ mediated neurotransmission may contribute to the pathophysiology of L-DOPA induced dyskinesia.

Mechanisms of pallidal deep brain stimulation: Alteration of cortico-striatal synaptic communication in a dystonia animal model

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an important option for patients with severe dystonias, which are thought to arise from a disturbance in striatal control of the globus pallidus internus (GPi). The mechanisms of GPi-DBS are far from understood. Although a disturbance of striatal function is thought to play a key role in dystonia, the effects of DBS on cortico-striatal function are unknown. We hypothesised that DBS, via axonal backfiring, or indirectly via thalamic and cortical coupling, alters striatal function. We tested this hypothesis in the dtsz hamster, an animal model of inherited generalised, paroxysmal dystonia. Hamsters (dystonic and non-dystonic controls) were bilaterally implanted with stimulation electrodes in the GPi. DBS (130 Hz), and sham DBS, were performed in unanaesthetised animals for 3 h. Synaptic cortico-striatal field potentials, as well as miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC) and firing properties of medium spiny striatal neurones were recorded in brain slice preparations obtained immediately after EPN-DBS. The main findings were as follows: a. DBS increased cortico-striatal evoked responses in healthy, but not in dystonic tissue. b. Commensurate with this, DBS increased inhibitory control of these evoked responses in dystonic, and decreased inhibitory control in healthy tissue. c. Further, DBS reduced mEPSC frequency strongly in dystonic, and less prominently in healthy tissue, showing that also a modulation of presynaptic mechanisms is likely involved. d. Cellular properties of medium-spiny neurones remained unchanged. We conclude that DBS leads to dampening of cortico-striatal communication, and restores intrastriatal inhibitory tone.

Precise localization and dynamic distribution of Japanese encephalitis virus in the rain nuclei of infected mice

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a pathogen that causes severe vector-borne zoonotic diseases, thereby posing a serious threat to human health. Although JEV is potentially neurotropic, its pathogenesis and distribution in the host have not been fully elucidated. In this study, an infected mouse model was established using a highly virulent P3 strain of JEV. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, combined with anatomical imaging of the mouse brain, were used to dynamically localize the virus and construct three-dimensional (3D) images. Consequently, onset of mild clinical signs occurred in some mice at 3.5 d post JEV infection, while most mice displayed typical neurological signs at 6 d post-infection (dpi). Moreover, brain pathology revealed typical changes associated with non-suppurative encephalitis, which lasted up to 8 d. The earliest detection of viral antigen was achieved at 3 dpi in the thalamus and medulla oblongata. At 6 dpi, the positive viral antigen signals were mainly distributed in the cerebral cortex, olfactory area, basal ganglia, thalamus, and brainstem regions in mice. At 8 dpi, the antigen signals gradually decreased, and the localization of JEV tended to concentrate in the cerebrum and thalamus, while no viral antigen was detected in the brain at 21 dpi. In this model, the viral antigen was first expressed in the reticular thalamic nucleus (Rt), and the virus content is relatively stable. The expression of the viral antigen in the hippocampal CA2 region, the anterior olfactory nucleus, and the deep mesencephalic nucleus was high and persistent. The 3D images showed that viral signals were mostly concentrated in the parietal cortex, occipital lobe, and hippocampus, near the mid-sagittal plane. In the early stages of infection in mice, a large number of viral antigens were detected in denatured and necrotic neurons, suggesting that JEV directly causes neuronal damage. From the time of its entry, JEV is widely distributed in the central nervous system thereby causing extensive damage.

There are many theories regarding the mechanism of entry of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) into the nervous system. The inflammation cascade effect, resulting from the virus entering the central nervous system (CNS), is a major cause of brain injury in JEV patients. In this study, we found that the earliest point at which viral antigen was detected in the brain tissues following peripheral infection of JEV was at 3d. The virus was located in the nerve nuclei of the thalamus and medulla oblongata and, subsequently, viral antigens were found in the anterior olfactory nucleus. At 4 dpi, the virus was extensively distributed in the brain tissue, and at 6 d -8 d the viral antigen was widely distributed and highly concentrated. The viral concentration detected in the ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VM), deep mesencephalic nucleus (DpMe), and motor trigeminal nucleus (Mo5) remained high throughout the experiment. The hypertrophic nerve nuclei of JEV include the early anterior olfactory (AO) nucleus and the late hippocampal CA2 region. In the early stages of viral infection (6 dpi), the changes in viral antigen concentration and mortality rate were consistent. It was hypothesized that this stage represents the activation of viral proliferation and brain inflammation.

Fundamentals of Neuromodulation and Pathophysiology of Neural Networks in Health and Disease

Neuromodulation involves altering neuronal circuitry and subsequent physiological changes with the aim to ameliorate neurological symptoms. Over the years several techniques have been used to obtain neuromodulatory effects for treatment of conditions including Parkinson disease, essential tremor, dystonia or seizures. We provide brief description of the various therapeutics that have been used and mechanisms involved in pathophysiology of these disorders as well as the therapeutic mechanisms of the treatment modalities.

Comparative Ultrastructural Analysis of Thalamocortical Innervation of the Primary Motor Cortex and Supplementary Motor Area in Control and MPTP-Treated Parkinsonian Monkeys

The synaptic organization of thalamic inputs to motor cortices remains poorly understood in primates. Thus, we compared the regional and synaptic connections of vGluT2-positive thalamocortical glutamatergic terminals in the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the primary motor cortex (M1) between control and MPTP-treated parkinsonian monkeys. In controls, vGluT2-containing fibers and terminal-like profiles invaded layer II-III and Vb of M1 and SMA. A significant reduction of vGluT2 labeling was found in layer Vb, but not in layer II-III, of parkinsonian animals, suggesting a potential thalamic denervation of deep cortical layers in parkinsonism. There was a significant difference in the pattern of synaptic connectivity in layers II-III, but not in layer Vb, between M1 and SMA of control monkeys. However, this difference was abolished in parkinsonian animals. No major difference was found in the proportion of perforated versus macular post-synaptic densities at thalamocortical synapses between control and parkinsonian monkeys in both cortical regions, except for a slight increase in the prevalence of perforated axo-dendritic synapses in the SMA of parkinsonian monkeys. Our findings suggest that disruption of the thalamic innervation of M1 and SMA may underlie pathophysiological changes of the motor thalamocortical loop in the state of parkinsonism.

A rare case of Holmes tremor in a worker with occupational carbon monoxide poisoning

Parkinsonism and encephalopathy are frequently seen in patients who survive carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Neurological findings associated with CO poisoning can emerge immediately after cessation of exposure or following a brief period of pseudo-recovery. When present, the tremor associated with CO poisoning is typical of the postural/intention type. Here, we report on a rare case of toxic encephalopathy with a dominant-hand Holmes-type tremor, characterized by resting, as well as postural and kinetic/intentional components, in a previously healthy 53-year-old man exposed to CO while actively engaged in the process of performing a physically demanding skilled labor task. The unique neuropathological and functional changes that give rise to Holmes-type tremor and how this relates to the selective vulnerability of the inhibitory indirect pathway of the basal ganglia to glutamatergic excitotoxicity mediated by tissue hypoxia are discussed.

Conveyance of cortical pacing for parkinsonian tremor-like hyperkinetic behavior by subthalamic dysrhythmia

Parkinson's disease is characterized by both hypokinetic and hyperkinetic symptoms. While increased subthalamic burst discharges have a direct causal relationship with the hypokinetic manifestations (e.g., rigidity and bradykinesia), the origin of the hyperkinetic symptoms (e.g., resting tremor and propulsive gait) has remained obscure. Neuronal burst discharges are presumed to be autonomous or less responsive to synaptic input, thereby interrupting the information flow. We, however, demonstrate that subthalamic burst discharges are dependent on cortical glutamatergic synaptic input, which is enhanced by A-type K+ channel inhibition. Excessive top-down-triggered subthalamic burst discharges then drive highly correlative activities bottom-up in the motor cortices and skeletal muscles. This leads to hyperkinetic behaviors such as tremors, which are effectively ameliorated by inhibition of cortico-subthalamic AMPAergic synaptic transmission. We conclude that subthalamic burst discharges play an imperative role in cortico-subcortical information relay, and they critically contribute to the pathogenesis of both hypokinetic and hyperkinetic parkinsonian symptoms.

Multitasking guardian of mitochondrial quality: Parkin function and Parkinson's disease

The familial form of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is linked to mutations in specific genes. The mutations in parkin are one of the most common causes of early-onset PD. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an emerging active player in the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, because mitochondria are highly dynamic structures integrated with many cellular functions. Herein, we overview and discuss the role of the parkin protein product, Parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase, in the cellular processes related to mitochondrial function, and how parkin mutations can result in pathology in vitro and in vivo.

Basal Ganglia Output Has a Permissive Non-Driving Role in a Signaled Locomotor Action Mediated by the Midbrain

The basal ganglia are important for movement and reinforcement learning. Using mice of either sex, we found that the main basal ganglia GABAergic output in the midbrain, the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), shows movement-related neural activity during the expression of a negatively reinforced signaled locomotor action known as signaled active avoidance; this action involves mice moving away during a warning signal to avoid a threat. In particular, many SNr neurons deactivate during active avoidance responses. However, whether SNr deactivation has an essential role driving or regulating active avoidance responses is unknown. We found that optogenetic excitation of SNr or striatal GABAergic fibers that project to an area in the pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPT) within the midbrain locomotor region abolishes signaled active avoidance responses, while optogenetic inhibition of SNr cells (mimicking the SNr deactivation observed during an active avoidance behavior) serves as an effective conditioned stimulus signal to drive avoidance responses by disinhibiting PPT neurons. However, preclusion of SNr deactivation, or direct inhibition of SNr fibers in the PPT, does not impair the expression of signaled active avoidance, indicating that SNr output does not drive the expression of a signaled locomotor action mediated by the midbrain. Consistent with a permissive regulatory role, SNr output provides information about the state of the ongoing action to downstream structures that mediate the action.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT During signaled active avoidance behavior, subjects move away to avoid a threat when directed by an innocuous sensory stimulus. Excitation of GABAergic cells in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), the main output of the basal ganglia, blocks signaled active avoidance, while inhibition of SNr cells is an effective stimulus to drive active avoidance. Interestingly, many SNr cells inhibit their firing during active avoidance responses, suggesting that SNr inhibition could be driving avoidance responses by disinhibiting downstream areas. However, interfering with the modulation of SNr cells does not impair the behavior. Thus, SNr may regulate the active avoidance movement in downstream areas that mediate the behavior, but does not drive it.

Postmortem Dissections of Common Targets for Lesion and Deep Brain Stimulation Surgeries

BACKGROUND

The subthalamic nucleus (STN), globus pallidus internus (GPi), and pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) are effective targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in many pathological conditions. Previous literature has focused on appropriate stimulation targets and their relationships with functional neuroanatomic pathways; however, comprehensive anatomic dissections illustrating these nuclei and their connections are lacking. This information will provide insight into the anatomic basis of stimulation-induced DBS benefits and side effects.

OBJECTIVE

To combine advanced cadaveric dissection techniques and ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the anatomy of the STN, GPi, and PPN with their associated fiber pathways.

METHODS

A total of 10 cadaveric human brains and 2 hemispheres of a cadaveric head were examined using fiber dissection techniques. The anatomic dissections were compared with 11.1 Tesla (T) structural MRI and 4.7 T MRI fiber tractography.

RESULTS

The extensive connections of the STN (caudate nucleus, putamen, medial frontal cortex, substantia innominata, substantia nigra, PPN, globus pallidus externus (GPe), GPi, olfactory tubercle, hypothalamus, and mammillary body) were demonstrated. The connections of GPi to the thalamus, substantia nigra, STN, amygdala, putamen, PPN, and GPe were also illustrated. The PPN was shown to connect to the STN and GPi anteriorly, to the cerebellum inferiorly, and to the substantia nigra anteriorly and superiorly.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates connections using combined anatomic microdissections, ultrahigh field MRI, and MRI tractography. The anatomic findings are analyzed in relation to various stimulation-induced clinical effects. Precise knowledge of neuroanatomy, anatomic relationships, and fiber connections of the STN, GPi, PPN will likely enable more effective targeting and improved DBS outcomes.

Modeling the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease in patient-specific neurons

The 30 trillion cells that self-assemble into a human being originate from the pluripotent stem cells in the inner cell mass of a human blastocyst. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) makes it possible to approximate various aspects of this natural developmental process artificially by generating materials that can be used in invasive mechanistic studies of virtually all human conditions. In Parkinson's disease, instructions computed by the basal ganglia to control voluntary motor functions break down, leading to widespread rhythmic bursting activities in the basal ganglia and beyond. It is thought that these oscillatory neuronal activities, which disrupt aperiodic neurotransmission in a normal brain, may reduce information content in the instructions for motor control. Using midbrain neuronal cultures differentiated from iPSCs of Parkinson's disease patients with parkin mutations, we find that parkin mutations cause oscillatory neuronal activities when dopamine D1-class receptors are activated. This system makes it possible to study the molecular basis of rhythmic bursting activities in Parkinson's disease. Further development of stem cell models of Parkinson's disease will enable better approximation of the situation in the brain of Parkinson's disease patients. In this review, I will discuss what has been found in the past about the pathophysiology of motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, especially oscillatory neuronal activities and how stem cell technologies may transform our abilities to understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease.

Abnormal Striatal Development Underlies the Early Onset of Behavioral Deficits in Shank3B-/- Mice

The neural substrates and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the onset of cognitive and motor deficits in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain unclear. Mutations in ASD-associated SHANK3 in mice (Shank3B^−/−) result in the accelerated maturation of corticostriatal circuits during the second and third postnatal weeks. Here, we show that during this period, there is extensive remodeling of the striatal synaptic proteome and a developmental switch in glutamatergic synaptic plasticity induced by cortical hyperactivity in striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs). Behavioral abnormalities in Shank3B^−/− mice emerge during this stage and are ameliorated by normalizing excitatory synapse connectivity in medial striatal regions by the downregulation of PKA activity. These results suggest that the abnormal postnatal development of striatal circuits is implicated in the onset of behavioral deficits in Shank3B^−/− mice and that modulation of postsynaptic PKA activity can be used to regulate corticostriatal drive in developing SPNs of mouse models of ASDs and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Peixoto et al. show that the onset of behavioral deficits in Shank3B^−/− mice occurs during early postnatal development and that these can be ameliorated by reducing the glutamatergic synaptic drive in medial regions of the striatum by the downregulation of PKA activity.

Methylmercury exposure during the vulnerable window of the cerebrum in postnatal developing rats

The developing brain is known to be sensitive to the toxic effects of methylmercury (MeHg). The effects of toxic levels of MeHg exposure during the most seemingly vulnerable window of the cerebrum are not well studied. In this study, we aimed to examine the specific effects of toxic levels of MeHg on neurobehavior, neurodegeneration, and selenoenzyme activity in the cerebrum of infant rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 8/group) were orally treated with MeHg at an acute toxic dose (8 mg Hg/kg/day) for 10 consecutive days starting on postnatal day 14 (P14). The MeHg-exposed rats showed a significant reduction in body weight after day 8 and severe neurological symptoms similar to dystonia on day 12 (P25). Motor coordination deficits determined using the rotarod performance test and short-term memory impairment determined using the Y-maze task were observed in the MeHg-exposed rats on day 11 (P24). The MeHg-exposed rats sacrificed on day 12 showed severe cerebral neuronal degeneration, reactive astrocytosis, and TUNEL-positive apoptotic nuclei, with the cerebral Hg concentration of 15.0 ± 1.6 μg/g. Furthermore, the activities of glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase in the cerebrum in MeHg-exposed rats were lower than those in control. These results indicate that MeHg exposure to infant rats will be useful to predict the effects of MeHg at the cerebral growth spurt in humans.

A non-linear deterministic model of action selection in the basal ganglia to simulate motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease

Motor fluctuations and dyskinesias are severe complications of Parkinson's disease (PD), especially evident at its advanced stage, under long-term levodopa therapy. Despite their strong clinical prevalence, the neural origin of these motor symptoms is still a subject of intense debate. In this work, a non-linear deterministic neurocomputational model of the basal ganglia (BG), inspired by biology, is used to provide more insights into possible neural mechanisms at the basis of motor complications in PD. In particular, the model is used to simulate the finger tapping task. The model describes the main neural pathways involved in the BG to select actions [the direct or Go, the indirect or NoGo, and the hyperdirect pathways via the action of the sub-thalamic nucleus (STN)]. A sensitivity analysis is performed on some crucial model parameters (the dopamine level, the strength of the STN mechanism, and the strength of competition among different actions in the motor cortex) at different levels of synapses, reflecting major or minor motor training. Depending on model parameters, results show that the model can reproduce a variety of clinically relevant motor patterns, including normokinesia, bradykinesia, several attempts before movement, freezing, repetition, and also irregular fluctuations. Motor symptoms are, especially, evident at low or high dopamine levels, with excessive strength of the STN and with weak competition among alternative actions. Moreover, these symptoms worsen if the synapses are subject to insufficient learning. The model may help improve the comprehension of motor complications in PD and, ultimately, may contribute to the treatment design.

Delineating the electrophysiological signature of dystonia

Over the last 30 years, the concept of dystonia has dramatically changed, from being considered a motor neurosis, to a pure basal ganglia disorder, to finally reach the definition of a network disorder involving the basal ganglia, cerebellum, thalamus and sensorimotor cortex. This progress has been possible due to the collaboration between clinicians and scientists, and the development of increasingly sophisticated electrophysiological techniques able to non-invasively investigate pathophysiological mechanisms in humans. This review is a chronological excursus of the electrophysiological studies that laid the foundation for the understanding of the pathophysiology of dystonia and delineated its electrophysiological signatures. Evidence for neurophysiological abnormalities is grouped according to the neural system involved, and a unifying theory, bringing together all the hypothesis and evidence provided to date, is proposed at the end.

Computationally Guided Intracerebral Drug Delivery via Chronically Implanted Microdevices

Treatments for neurologic diseases are often limited in efficacy due to poor spatial and temporal control over their delivery. Intracerebral delivery partially overcomes this by directly infusing therapeutics to the brain. Brain structures, however, are nonuniform and irregularly shaped, precluding complete target coverage by a single bolus without significant off-target effects and possible toxicity. Nearly complete coverage is crucial for effective modulation of these structures. We present a framework with computational mapping algorithms for neural drug delivery (COMMAND) to guide multi-bolus targeting of brain structures that maximizes coverage and minimizes off-target leakage. Custom-fabricated chronic neural implants leverage rational fluidic design to achieve multi-bolus delivery in rodents through a single infusion of radioactive tracer (Cu-64). The resulting spatial distributions replicate computed spatial coverage with 5% error in vivo, as detected by positron emission tomography. COMMAND potentially enables accurate, efficacious targeting of discrete brain regions.

Optogenetic inactivation of the entopeduncular nucleus improves forelimb akinesia in a Parkinson's disease model

We performed optogenetic inactivation of rats' entopeduncular nucleus (EP, homologous to primates' globus pallidus interna (GPi)) and investigated the therapeutic effect in a rat model of PD. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced hemiparkinsonian rats were injected with either a virus for halorhodopsin expression that is used to inactivate GABAergic neurons or a control virus injection and received optic fiber insertion. All the rats were illuminated by 590 nm of light. Each rat was then subjected to sequential sessions of stepping tests under controlled illumination patterns. The stepping test is a reliable evaluation method for forelimb akinesia. The number of adjusting steps was significantly higher in experimental (optogene with reporter gene expression) (5Hz - 10ms: 15.7 ± 1.9, 5Hz - 100ms: 16.0 ± 1.8, continuous: 21.6 ± 1.9) than control rats (reporter gene expression) (5Hz-10ms: 1.9 ± 1.1, 5Hz-100ms: 2.6 ± 1.0, continuous: 2.5 ± 1.2) (p < 0.001). Continuous EP illumination showed a significantly higher improvement of forelimb akinesia than other illumination patterns (p < 0.01). Optogene expression in the GABAergic neurons of the EP was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Optogenetic inhibition of EP was effective to improve contralateral forelimb akinesia. However, further studies using prolonged illumination are needed to investigate the best illumination pattern for optogenetic stimulation.

L-dopa treatment increases oscillatory power in the motor cortex of Parkinson's disease patients

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder caused by dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Levodopa (L-dopa) is an effective medication for alleviating motor symptoms in PD that has been shown previously to reduce subcortical beta (13-30 Hz) oscillations. How L-dopa influences oscillations in the motor cortex is unclear. In this study, 21 PD patients were recorded with magnetoencephalography (MEG) in L-dopa ON and OFF states. Oscillatory components of resting-state power spectra were compared between the two states and the significant effect was localized using beamforming. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III akinesia and rigidity sub-scores for the most affected hemibody were correlated with source power values for the contralateral hemisphere. An L-dopa-induced power increase was found over the central sensors significant in the 18-30 Hz range (F(1,20)  > 14.8, PFWE corr < 0.05, cluster size inference with P = 0.001 cluster-forming threshold). Beamforming localization of this effect revealed distinct peaks at the bilateral sensorimotor cortex. A significant correlation between the magnitude of L-dopa induced 18-30 Hz oscillatory motor-cortical power increase and the degree of improvement in contralateral akinesia and rigidity was found (F(2, 19) = 4.9, pone-tailed = 0.02, R2 = 0.2). Power in the same range was also inversely correlated with combined akinesia and rigidity scores in the L-dopa OFF state (F(2, 19) = 9.2, ptwo-tailed = 0.007, R2 = 0.33) but not in the L-dopa ON state (F(2, 19) = 0.27, ptwo-tailed = 0.6, R2 = 0.01). These results suggest that the role of motor cortical beta oscillations in PD is distinct from that of subcortical beta.

Differential calcium channel-mediated dopaminergic modulation in the subthalamonigral synapse

Dopamine (DA) modulates basal ganglia (BG) activity for initiation and execution of goal-directed movements and habits. While most studies are aimed to striatal function, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic regulation in other nuclei of the BG are not well understood. Therefore, we set to analyze the dopaminergic modulation occurring in subthalamo-nigral synapse, in both pars compacta (SNc) and pars reticulata (SNr) neurons, because these synapses are important for the integration of information previously processed in striatum and globus pallidus. In this study, electrophysiological and pharmacological evidence of dopaminergic modulation on glutamate release through calcium channels is presented. Using paired pulse ratio (PPR) measurements and selective blockers of these ionic channels, together with agonists and antagonists of DA D₂ -like receptors, we found that blockade of the Ca_V 3 family occludes the presynaptic inhibition produced by the activation of DA receptors pharmacologically profiled as D₃ -type in the STh-SNc synapses. On the contrast, the blockade of Ca_V 2 channels, but not Ca_V 3, occlude with the effect of the D₃ agonist, PD 128907, in the STh-SNr synapse. The functional role of this differential distribution of calcium channels that modulate the release of glutamate in the SN implies a fine adjustment of firing for both classes of neurons. Dopaminergic neurons of the SNc establish a DA tone within the SN based on the excitatory/inhibitory inputs; such tone may contribute to processing information from subthalamic nucleus and could also be involved in pathological DA depletion that drives hyperexcitation of SNr neurons.

Movement disorders in pregnancy

Movement disorders in women during pregnancy are uncommon. Therefore, high quality studies are limited, and guidelines are lacking for the treatment of movement disorders in pregnancy, thus posing a significant therapeutic challenge for the treating physicians. In this chapter, we discuss movement disorders that arise during pregnancy and the preexisting movement disorders during pregnancy. Common conditions encountered in pregnancy include but are not limited to restless legs syndrome, chorea gravidarum, Parkinson disease, essential tremor, and Huntington disease as well as more rare movement disorders (Wilson's disease, dystonia, etc.). This chapter summarizes the published literature on movement disorders and pharmacologic and surgical considerations for neurologists and physicians in other specialties caring for patients who are pregnant or considering pregnancy.

Autoregressive modeling to assess stride time pattern stability in individuals with Huntington's disease

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurological disorder that results in both cognitive and physical impairments. These impairments affect an individual’s gait and, as the disease progresses, it significantly alters one’s stability. Previous research found that changes in stride time patterns can help delineate between healthy and pathological gait. Autoregressive (AR) modeling is a statistical technique that models the underlying temporal patterns in data. Here the AR models assessed differences in gait stride time pattern stability between the controls and individuals with HD. Differences in stride time pattern stability were determined based on the AR model coefficients and their placement on a stationarity triangle that provides a visual representation of how the patterns mean, variance and autocorrelation change with time. Thus, individuals who exhibit similar stride time pattern stability will reside in the same region of the stationarity triangle. It was hypothesized that individuals with HD would exhibit a more altered stride time pattern stability than the controls based on the AR model coefficients and their location in the stationarity triangle.

Methods

Sixteen control and twenty individuals with HD performed a five-minute walking protocol. Time series’ were constructed from consecutive stride times extracted during the protocol and a second order AR model was fit to the stride time series data. A two-sample t-test was performed on the stride time pattern data to identify differences between the control and HD groups.

Results

The individuals with HD exhibited significantly altered stride time pattern stability than the controls based on their AR model coefficients (AR1 p < 0.001; AR2 p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The AR coefficients successfully delineated between the controls and individuals with HD. Individuals with HD resided closer to and within the oscillatory region of the stationarity triangle, which could be reflective of the oscillatory neuronal activity commonly observed in this population. The ability to quantitatively and visually detect differences in stride time behavior highlights the potential of this approach for identifying gait impairment in individuals with HD.

Network Structure and Function in Parkinson's Disease

Little is known of the structural and functional properties of abnormal brain networks associated with neurological disorders. We used a social network approach to characterize the properties of the Parkinson's disease (PD) metabolic topography in 4 independent patient samples and in an experimental non-human primate model. The PD network exhibited distinct features. Dense, mutually facilitating functional connections linked the putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus to form a metabolically active core. The periphery was formed by weaker connections linking less active cortical regions. Notably, the network contained a separate module defined by interconnected, metabolically active nodes in the cerebellum, pons, frontal cortex, and limbic regions. Exaggeration of the small-world property was a consistent feature of disease networks in parkinsonian humans and in the non-human primate model; this abnormality was only partly corrected by dopaminergic treatment. The findings point to disease-related alterations in network structure and function as the basis for faulty information processing in this disorder.

Altered Recruitment of Motor Cortex Neuronal Activity During the Grasping Phase of Skilled Reaching in a Chronic Rat Model of Unilateral Parkinsonism

Parkinson's disease causes prominent difficulties in the generation and execution of voluntary limb movements, including regulation of distal muscles and coordination of proximal and distal movement components to achieve accurate grasping. Difficulties with manual dexterity have a major impact on activities of daily living. We used extracellular single neuron recordings to investigate the neural underpinnings of parkinsonian movement deficits in the motor cortex of chronic unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion male rats performing a skilled reach-to-grasp task the. Both normal movements and parkinsonian deficits in this task have striking homology to human performance. In lesioned animals there were several differences in the activity of cortical neurons during reaches by the affected limb compared with control rats. These included an increase in proportions of neurons showing rate decreases, along with increased amplitude of their average rate-decrease response at specific times during the reach, suggesting a shift in the balance of net excitation and inhibition of cortical neurons; a significant increase in the duration of rate-increase responses, which could result from reduced coupling of cortical activity to specific movement components; and changes in the timing and incidence of neurons with pure rate-increase or biphasic responses, particularly at the end of reach when grasping would normally be occurring. The changes in cortical activity may account for the deficits that occur in skilled distal motor control following dopamine depletion, and highlight the need for treatment strategies targeted toward modulating cortical mechanisms for fine distal motor control in patients.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show for the first time in a chronic lesion rat model of Parkinson's disease movement deficits that there are specific changes in motor cortex neuron activity associated with the grasping phase of a skilled motor task. Such changes provide a possible mechanism underpinning the problems with manual dexterity seen in Parkinson's patients and highlight the need for treatment strategies targeted toward distal motor control.

Dystonia and dopamine: From phenomenology to pathophysiology

A line of evidence suggests that the pathophysiology of dystonia involves the striatum, whose activity is modulated among other neurotransmitters, by the dopaminergic system. However, the link between dystonia and dopamine appears complex and remains unclear. Here, we propose a physiological approach to investigate the clinical and experimental data supporting a role of the dopaminergic system in the pathophysiology of dystonic syndromes. Because dystonia is a disorder of motor routines, we first focus on the role of dopamine and striatum in procedural learning. Second, we consider the phenomenology of dystonia from every angle in order to search for features giving food for thought regarding the pathophysiology of the disorder. Then, for each dystonic phenotype, we review, when available, the experimental and imaging data supporting a connection with the dopaminergic system. Finally, we propose a putative model in which the different phenotypes could be explained by changes in the balance between the direct and indirect striato-pallidal pathways, a process critically controlled by the level of dopamine within the striatum. Search strategy and selection criteria References for this article were identified through searches in PubMed with the search terms « dystonia », « dopamine", « striatum », « basal ganglia », « imaging data », « animal model », « procedural learning », « pathophysiology », and « plasticity » from 1998 until 2018. Articles were also identified through searches of the authors' own files. Only selected papers published in English were reviewed. The final reference list was generated on the basis of originality and relevance to the broad scope of this review.

Changing views of the pathophysiology of Parkinsonism

Studies of the pathophysiology of parkinsonism (specifically akinesia and bradykinesia) have a long history and primarily model the consequences of dopamine loss in the basal ganglia on the function of the basal ganglia/thalamocortical circuit(s). Changes of firing rates of individual nodes within these circuits were originally considered central to parkinsonism. However, this view has now given way to the belief that changes in firing patterns within the basal ganglia and related nuclei are more important, including the emergence of burst discharges, greater synchrony of firing between neighboring neurons, oscillatory activity patterns, and the excessive coupling of oscillatory activities at different frequencies. Primarily focusing on studies obtained in nonhuman primates and human patients with Parkinson's disease, this review summarizes the current state of this field and highlights several emerging areas of research, including studies of the impact of the heterogeneity of external pallidal neurons on parkinsonism, the importance of extrastriatal dopamine loss, parkinsonism-associated synaptic and morphologic plasticity, and the potential role(s) of the cerebellum and brainstem in the motor dysfunction of Parkinson's disease. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

State transitions in the substantia nigra reticulata predict the onset of motor deficits in models of progressive dopamine depletion in mice

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder whose cardinal motor symptoms are attributed to dysfunction of basal ganglia circuits under conditions of low dopamine. Despite well-established physiological criteria to define basal ganglia dysfunction, correlations between individual parameters and motor symptoms are often weak, challenging their predictive validity and causal contributions to behavior. One limitation is that basal ganglia pathophysiology is studied only at end-stages of depletion, leaving an impoverished understanding of when deficits emerge and how they evolve over the course of depletion. In this study, we use toxin- and neurodegeneration-induced mouse models of dopamine depletion to establish the physiological trajectory by which the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) transitions from the healthy to the diseased state. We find that physiological progression in the SNr proceeds in discrete state transitions that are highly stereotyped across models and correlate well with the prodromal and symptomatic stages of behavior.