Deep brain stimulation in a rat model modulates TH, CaMKIIa and Homer1 gene expression

Jeannette Henning, Dirk Koczan, Änne Glass, Thomas Karopka, Jens Pahnke, Arndt Rolfs, Reiner Benecke, Ulrike Gimsa*

*Corresponding author for this work
25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

High-frequency stimulation (HFS) of subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a therapy for late-stage Parkinson's disease. Its mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. In the present study, gene expression analyses were performed in a rat model of Parkinson's disease, i.e. striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion. Using microarrays, gene expression was analysed in 1-mm-thick sagittal brain slices, including basal ganglia of five groups of male Wistar rats. These were unmanipulated rats (group A), unlesioned rats with implanted electrode but without stimulation (group B), unlesioned, stimulated rats (group C), 6-OHDA-lesioned rats with implanted electrode but without stimulation (group D), and finally 6-OHDA-lesioned and stimulated rats (group E). A statistically significant downregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression induced by 6-OHDA lesion and an HFS-induced TH upregulation in 6-OHDA-lesioned rats could be detected. It could be hypothesized that the HFS-induced upregulation of TH is the result of neuronal STN modulation and mediated via projections from STN to substantia nigra pars compacta. Furthermore, a downregulation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IIA and Homer1 was observed. This downregulation could result in a reduced sensitivity towards glutamate in basal ganglia downstream of STN.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience
Volume25
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)239-250
Number of pages12
ISSN0953-816X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.2007

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)

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