Striatal dopaminergic metabolism is increased by deep brain stimulation ofthe subthalamic nucleus in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats

Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an established therape utic strategy for patients with Parkinson's disease. Although the exact mec hanisms of action remain unknown, it is noteworthy that dopaminergic medica tion can be markedly reduced after neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucl eus. Previously, we have shown that deep brain stimulation of the subthalam ic nucleus is followed by an increase of striatal extracellular dopamine me tabolites in naive rats. In the present study we examined the effects of de ep brain stimulation on striatal monoamine metabolism in the intrastriatal g-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus was followed by a delayed increase of extracellu lar 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic and homovanillic whereas dopamine levels were unchanged in stimulated rats and controls. Our results indicate that deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus affects significantly striatal dopaminergic metabolism in 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned rats. (C) 2001 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.