1
|
Ryczko D. The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region: Multiple Cell Types, Multiple Behavioral Roles, and Multiple Implications for Disease. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:347-366. [PMID: 36575956 PMCID: PMC11107129 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221139136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) controls locomotion in vertebrates. In humans with Parkinson disease, locomotor deficits are increasingly associated with decreased activity in the MLR. This brainstem region, commonly considered to include the cuneiform and pedunculopontine nuclei, has been explored as a target for deep brain stimulation to improve locomotor function, but the results are variable, from modest to promising. However, the MLR is a heterogeneous structure, and identification of the best cell type to target is only beginning. Here, I review the studies that uncovered the role of genetically defined MLR cell types, and I highlight the cells whose activation improves locomotor function in animal models of Parkinson disease. The promising cell types to activate comprise some glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform and caudal pedunculopontine nuclei, as well as some cholinergic neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus. Activation of MLR GABAergic neurons should be avoided, since they stop locomotion or evoke bouts flanked with numerous stops. MLR is also considered a potential target in spinal cord injury, supranuclear palsy, primary progressive freezing of gait, or stroke. Better targeting of the MLR cell types should be achieved through optimized deep brain stimulation protocols, pharmacotherapy, or the development of optogenetics for human use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Ryczko
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Neurosciences Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang J, Wang X, Li H, Shi L, Song N, Xie J. Updates on brain regions and neuronal circuits of movement disorders in Parkinson's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102097. [PMID: 38511877 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a global burden that affects more often in the elderly. The basal ganglia (BG) is believed to account for movement disorders in PD. More recently, new findings in the original regions in BG involved in motor control, as well as the new circuits or new nucleuses previously not specifically considered were explored. In the present review, we provide up-to-date information related to movement disorders and modulations in PD, especially from the perspectives of brain regions and neuronal circuits. Meanwhile, there are updates in deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other factors for the motor improvement in PD. Comprehensive understandings of brain regions and neuronal circuits involved in motor control could benefit the development of novel therapeutical strategies in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Hui Li
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Limin Shi
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Song
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Junxia Xie
- Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Senevirathne DKL, Mahboob A, Zhai K, Paul P, Kammen A, Lee DJ, Yousef MS, Chaari A. Deep Brain Stimulation beyond the Clinic: Navigating the Future of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:1478. [PMID: 37296599 PMCID: PMC10252401 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that uses electrical neuromodulation to target specific regions of the brain, showing potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite similarities in disease pathology, DBS is currently only approved for use in PD patients, with limited literature on its effectiveness in AD. While DBS has shown promise in ameliorating brain circuits in PD, further research is needed to determine the optimal parameters for DBS and address any potential side effects. This review emphasizes the need for foundational and clinical research on DBS in different brain regions to treat AD and recommends the development of a classification system for adverse effects. Furthermore, this review suggests the use of either a low-frequency system (LFS) or high-frequency system (HFS) depending on the specific symptoms of the patient for both PD and AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Anns Mahboob
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Kevin Zhai
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Pradipta Paul
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Alexandra Kammen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Darrin Jason Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- USC Neurorestoration Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Yousef
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
| | - Ali Chaari
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Roussel M, Lafrance-Zoubga D, Josset N, Lemieux M, Bretzner F. Functional contribution of mesencephalic locomotor region nuclei to locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:100946. [PMID: 36812893 PMCID: PMC9975330 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a disruption of information between the brain and the spinal circuit. Electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) can promote locomotor recovery in acute and chronic SCI rodent models. Although clinical trials are currently under way, there is still debate about the organization of this supraspinal center and which anatomic correlate of the MLR should be targeted to promote recovery. Combining kinematics, electromyographic recordings, anatomic analysis, and mouse genetics, our study reveals that glutamatergic neurons of the cuneiform nucleus contribute to locomotor recovery by enhancing motor efficacy in hindlimb muscles, and by increasing locomotor rhythm and speed on a treadmill, over ground, and during swimming in chronic SCI mice. In contrast, glutamatergic neurons of the pedunculopontine nucleus slow down locomotion. Therefore, our study identifies the cuneiform nucleus and its glutamatergic neurons as a therapeutical target to improve locomotor recovery in patients living with SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Roussel
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - David Lafrance-Zoubga
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Nicolas Josset
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Maxime Lemieux
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Frederic Bretzner
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL-Neurosciences, 2705 Boul. Laurier, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hofer AS, Scheuber MI, Sartori AM, Good N, Stalder SA, Hammer N, Fricke K, Schalbetter SM, Engmann AK, Weber RZ, Rust R, Schneider MP, Russi N, Favre G, Schwab ME. Stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus enables training and boosts recovery after spinal cord injury. Brain 2022; 145:3681-3697. [PMID: 35583160 PMCID: PMC9586551 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe spinal cord injuries result in permanent paraparesis in spite of the frequent sparing of small portions of white matter. Spared fibre tracts are often incapable of maintaining and modulating the activity of lower spinal motor centres. Effects of rehabilitative training thus remain limited. Here, we activated spared descending brainstem fibres by electrical deep brain stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus of the mesencephalic locomotor region, the main control centre for locomotion in the brainstem, in adult female Lewis rats. We show that deep brain stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus enhances the weak remaining motor drive in highly paraparetic rats with severe, incomplete spinal cord injuries and enables high-intensity locomotor training. Stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus during rehabilitative aquatraining after subchronic (n = 8 stimulated versus n = 7 unstimulated versus n = 7 untrained rats) and chronic (n = 14 stimulated versus n = 9 unstimulated versus n = 9 untrained rats) spinal cord injury re-established substantial locomotion and improved long-term recovery of motor function. We additionally identified a safety window of stimulation parameters ensuring context-specific locomotor control in intact rats (n = 18) and illustrate the importance of timing of treatment initiation after spinal cord injury (n = 14). This study highlights stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus as a highly promising therapeutic strategy to enhance motor recovery after subchronic and chronic incomplete spinal cord injury with direct clinical applicability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Sophie Hofer
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Myriam I Scheuber
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea M Sartori
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Good
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie A Stalder
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Hammer
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kai Fricke
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sina M Schalbetter
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anne K Engmann
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rebecca Z Weber
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ruslan Rust
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc P Schneider
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Russi
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giacomin Favre
- Department of Economics, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E Schwab
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Targeting the Cuneiform Nucleus in Parkinson's Disease: Option to Improve Locomotor Activity. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:976-978. [PMID: 35524913 PMCID: PMC9352819 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00870-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
7
|
Noga BR, Guest JD. Combined neuromodulatory approaches in the central nervous system for treatment of spinal cord injury. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:804-811. [PMID: 34593718 PMCID: PMC8595808 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To report progress in neuromodulation following spinal cord injury (SCI) using combined brain and spinal neuromodulation.Neuromodulation refers to alterations in neuronal activity for therapeutic purposes. Beneficial effects are established in disease states such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), chronic pain, epilepsy, and SCI. The repertoire of neuromodulation and bioelectric medicine is rapidly expanding. After SCI, cohort studies have reported the benefits of epidural stimulation (ES) combined with training. Recently, we have explored combining ES with deep brain stimulation (DBS) to increase activation of descending motor systems to address limitations of ES in severe SCI. In this review, we describe the types of applied neuromodulation that could be combined in SCI to amplify efficacy to enable movement. These include ES, mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) - DBS, noninvasive transcutaneous stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, paired-pulse paradigms, and neuromodulatory drugs. We examine immediate and longer-term effects and what is known about: (1) induced neuroplastic changes, (2) potential safety concerns; (3) relevant outcome measures; (4) optimization of stimulation; (5) therapeutic limitations and prospects to overcome these. RECENT FINDINGS DBS of the mesencephalic locomotor region is emerging as a potential clinical target to amplify supraspinal command circuits for locomotion. SUMMARY Combinations of neuromodulatory methods may have additive value for restoration of function after spinal cord injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian R Noga
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus controls locomotion in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110934118. [PMID: 34670837 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110934118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In Parkinson's disease (PD), the loss of midbrain dopaminergic cells results in severe locomotor deficits, such as gait freezing and akinesia. Growing evidence indicates that these deficits can be attributed to the decreased activity in the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), a brainstem region controlling locomotion. Clinicians are exploring the deep brain stimulation of the MLR as a treatment option to improve locomotor function. The results are variable, from modest to promising. However, within the MLR, clinicians have targeted the pedunculopontine nucleus exclusively, while leaving the cuneiform nucleus unexplored. To our knowledge, the effects of cuneiform nucleus stimulation have never been determined in parkinsonian conditions in any animal model. Here, we addressed this issue in a mouse model of PD, based on the bilateral striatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, which damaged the nigrostriatal pathway and decreased locomotor activity. We show that selective optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic neurons in the cuneiform nucleus in mice expressing channelrhodopsin in a Cre-dependent manner in Vglut2-positive neurons (Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP mice) increased the number of locomotor initiations, increased the time spent in locomotion, and controlled locomotor speed. Using deep learning-based movement analysis, we found that the limb kinematics of optogenetic-evoked locomotion in pathological conditions were largely similar to those recorded in intact animals. Our work identifies the glutamatergic neurons of the cuneiform nucleus as a potentially clinically relevant target to improve locomotor activity in parkinsonian conditions. Our study should open avenues to develop the targeted stimulation of these neurons using deep brain stimulation, pharmacotherapy, or optogenetics.
Collapse
|