High frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus influences striatal dopaminergic metabolism in the naive rat

High frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) can parti ally alleviate motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Ho wever, the mechanism of action of HFS is incompletely understood. We invest igated the effect of HFS (130 Hz) and low frequency stimulation (LFS, 20 Hz ) of the STN on striatal dopaminergic transmission and metabolism using in vivo microdialysis in anaesthetized and freely moving rats. While LFS had n o effect, HFS of the STN produced a delayed, stable and intensity-dependent increase of extracellular dopamine metabolites. Striatal extracellular lev els of dopamine and 5-HIAA were not influenced by HFS or LFS in the present experimental paradigm. We conclude that HFS of the STN influences striatal dopaminergic metabolism in naive, non-lesioned rats. NeuroReport 11:441-44 4 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.