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Harnessing neuronal plasticity for sustained symptom relief with DBS
Doris D Wang1, Coralie de Hemptinne2
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medial Center, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Trends in Neurosciences
|October 1, 2025
Summary
High-frequency stimulation of the globus pallidus internus in Parkinson's patients induced lasting improvements in movement. This suggests using brain plasticity could enhance deep brain stimulation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms like bradykinesia.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a therapeutic approach for PD, but optimizing its efficacy remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high-frequency microsimulation of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) on synaptic plasticity in Parkinson's disease.
- To determine if these plasticity-related changes can lead to sustained improvements in motor function.
Main Methods:
- High-frequency microsimulation was applied to the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- Electrophysiological recordings and behavioral assessments were used to evaluate the effects of stimulation.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrated that high-frequency GPi stimulation induced long-term potentiation (LTP)-like effects in inhibitory pathways.
- These effects resulted in transient improvements in bradykinesia, with benefits persisting beyond the cessation of stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Leveraging synaptic plasticity mechanisms through targeted DBS may offer a novel strategy for optimizing Parkinson's disease treatment.
- This approach holds potential for developing more effective and durable therapies for motor symptoms in PD.
