Neuroanatomical substrates for paroxysmal dyskinesia in lethargic mice

The paroxysmal dyskinesias are a group of neurological disorders described by intermittent attacks of involuntary abnormal movements superimposed on a relatively normal baseline. The neuroanatomical substrates for these attacks are not fully understood, though available evidence from studies of affected people and animal models points to dysfunction in the basal ganglia or cerebellum. In the current studies, the anatomical basis for paroxysmal dyskinesias in lethargic mice was determined via histochemical methods sensitive to changes in regional brain activity followed by surgical elimination of the suspected source. Cytochrome oxidase histochemistry revealed increased activity in the red nucleus. Surgical removal of the cerebellum worsened ataxia but eliminated paroxysmal dyskinesias. These studies support the hypothesis that abnormal cerebellar output contributes to paroxysmal dyskinesias.