Deep Brain Stimulation and MPTP Model of Non-human Primate Parkinson's Disease

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses an implanted electrode to deliver continuous high-frequency electrical stimulation to parts of the brain controlling movement. High frequency stimulation of cells in these areas helps to rebalance control messages throughout the movement control centers in the brain. Studies in this laboratory are designed to work in conjunction with human clinical investigations on the effectiveness and mechanism of DBS aimed at various targets within the extrapyramidal system on 1-Methyl, 4-phenyl, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonian behavior. Part of these studies will examine the potential neuro-protective effect of deep brain stimulation. This project, the results of which may have direct clinical implications, has NIH funding. We plan to continue our research into the mechanism of DBS through both patient and animal studies. Strengthening and expanding our findings can only further our understanding of Parkinson's disease.