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Deep brain stimulation: are astrocytes a key driver behind the scene?
Albert J Fenoy1, Laurent Goetz, Stéphan Chabardès
1Department of Neurosurgery, Mischer Neuroscience Institute, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
|January 25, 2014
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) mechanisms are complex, involving neuron and axon modulation. Astrocytes play a crucial role in DBS efficacy through glial-neuronal interactions and network-wide effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- The precise mechanism of deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains unclear, challenging its widespread application.
- Previous theories of DBS focused on functional inactivation, but recent evidence suggests both neuronal inhibition and axonal activation occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the role of astrocytes in deep brain stimulation (DBS) efficacy.
- To explore how glial-neuronal interactions, particularly involving astrocytes, contribute to the network-level effects of DBS.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on astrocyte involvement in DBS.
- Analysis of studies investigating high-frequency stimulation (HFS) effects on astrocytes and neuronal activity.
Main Results:
- High-frequency stimulation (HFS) activates astrocytes, leading to gliotransmitter release that modulates synaptic activity and axonal activation.
- Activated astrocytes contribute to network-wide effects of DBS and may explain varied activation/inhibition patterns.
- Astrocytes are implicated in synaptic plasticity (LTP/LTD) and neuroprotection via delta-opioid receptors, potentially mediating long-term DBS effects.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytes are key players in deep brain stimulation (DBS) efficacy, influencing both local and network-level responses.
- Glial-neuronal interactions involving astrocytes provide a more comprehensive explanation for the diverse effects observed with DBS.
