[Neuronal mechanisms of voluntary and involuntary movements in parafascicular (CM-PF) thalamic complex in spasmodic torticollis patients]

Activity of 144 parafascicular CM-Pf thalamic neurons was studied and recorded by means of microelectrodes during 18 stereotactical neurosurgical operations in spasmodic torticollis patients. High reactivity of two previously classified neurons with single sporadic activity (A-type) and bursts of Ca2(+)-dependent activity (B-type) were found during verbally ordered voluntary movements. There are coordinated reciprocal activation-inhibition A-type and B-type neuronal responses at the stage of verbal command presentation and synergic activation responses on the high of movement and in the aftereffect. Voluntary movement realization was accompanied by short-term local synchronization and stabilization of oscillatory (3-5 Hz) neuronal activity. The neuronal response differences between voluntary movements with and without neck muscle exertion and involuntary pathological movements prove the CM-Pf involvement in the pathology of spasmodic torticollis desease.