Experimental Brain Research

, Volume 168, Issue 1–2, pp 277–280 | Cite as

Spontaneous sleep modulates the firing pattern of Parkinsonian subthalamic nucleus

  • Alessandro Stefani
  • Salvatore Galati
  • Antonella Peppe
  • Andrea Bassi
  • Mariangela Pierantozzi
  • Atticus H Hainsworth
  • Giorgio Bernardi
  • Antonio Orlacchio
  • Paolo Stanzione
  • Paolo Mazzone
Research Note
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

In Parkinson’s disease, the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a common target for functional neurosurgery. Recent investigations have suggested that physiological non-motor stimuli may dramatically alter STN firing properties. By maintaining long-lasting micro-recordings of STN single units in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, here we show that the neurons that are responsive to passive movements are also strongly modulated by altered vigilance state (awake vs. sleep). In addition, sleep was characterized by a distinctive irregular train-like firing pattern. These findings suggest that the reduction of the somato-sensory input modifies rigidity and, hence, STN discharge mode. Further, it is suggested that specific STN electrophysiological features are potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.

Keywords

DBS Basal ganglia Firing pattern Parkinson’s disease Vigilance 
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Notes

Acknowledgement

This manucript was supported by Ministero della Salute Grants to AS and Regione Piemonte Grant to PS

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2005

Authors and Affiliations

  • Alessandro Stefani
    • 1
    • 2
  • Salvatore Galati
    • 2
  • Antonella Peppe
    • 1
  • Andrea Bassi
    • 1
  • Mariangela Pierantozzi
    • 2
  • Atticus H Hainsworth
    • 3
  • Giorgio Bernardi
    • 2
  • Antonio Orlacchio
    • 1
    • 2
  • Paolo Stanzione
    • 1
    • 2
  • Paolo Mazzone
    • 4
  1. 1.CERC-IRCCS Fondazione S. LuciaRomaItaly
  2. 2.Dipartimento NeuroscienzeClinica Neurologica, Università di Roma Tor VergataRomeItaly
  3. 3.Pharmacology Group, School of PharmacyDe Montfort UniversityLeicesterUnited Kingdom
  4. 4.Divisione di NeurochirurgiaUnità di Neurochirurgia Stereotassica e Funzionale, Ospedale CTO, ASL RMCRomaItaly

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