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Subthalamic Nucleus Subregion Stimulation Modulates Inhibitory Control
Nelleke C van Wouwe1,2, Joseph S Neimat1, Wery P M van den Wildenberg3,4
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA.
Cerebral Cortex Communications
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the ventral subregion of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) improved stopping ability in Parkinson's disease patients. Dorsal STN stimulation did not show similar effects on inhibitory control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) impairs inhibitory control.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) treats motor symptoms.
- The STN's role in inhibitory control and its subregions remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dissociable effects of dorsal versus ventral STN stimulation on stopping control in PD patients.
- To clarify the functional subterritories within the STN related to inhibitory control.
Main Methods:
- 12 Parkinson's disease patients with STN DBS were studied.
- Patients performed a stop-signal task OFF medication.
- Low-amplitude bilateral stimulation was applied to either dorsal or ventral STN contacts.
Main Results:
- Ventral STN stimulation significantly improved stopping latencies.
- Dorsal STN stimulation did not improve stopping latencies.
- Go reaction times were unaffected by stimulation site.
Conclusions:
- The ventral STN plays a crucial role in inhibitory control.
- Findings support distinct functional subregions within the STN for motor control and inhibition.
