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Published on: May 31, 2016
Effects of Unilateral High Frequency Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus on Risk-avoidant Behavior in a Partial
Sydney G Hillan1, Anders J Asp2, Leena B Pramanik1
1Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Background:
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a well-established treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). While PD is primarily characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, it also involves a range of non-motor symptoms, and anxiety is one of the most common. The relationship between PD and anxiety is complex and can be a result of both pathological neural changes and the psychological and emotional impacts of living with a chronic progressive condition. Managing anxiety in PD is critical for improving the patients' quality of life. However, patients undergoing STN DBS can occasionally experience increased anxiety.
Methods:
This study investigates changes in risk-avoidant behavior following STN DBS in a pre-motor animal model of PD under chronic and acute unilateral high frequency stimulation.
Results:
No significant changes in risk-avoidant behaviors were observed in rats who underwent STN DBS compared with sham stimulation controls. Chronic stimulation prevented sensitization in the elevated zero maze.
Conclusions:
These results suggest that unilateral stimulation of the STN may have minimal effects on risk-avoidant behaviors in PD. However, additional research is required to fully understand the mechanisms responsible for changes in anxiety during STN DBS for PD.
