Riluzole reduces hyperactivity of subthalamic neurons induced by unilateral 6-OHDA lesion in the rat brain

An abnormal increase in the activity of neurons of the subthalamic nucleus is a key pathophysiological feature of Parkinson's disease. We sought to de termine whether riluzole, a sodium channel inhibitor that interferes with g lutamatergic neurotransmission, affects neuronal activity in this brain reg ion. Intravenous administration of riluzole reduced the discharge rate of s ubthalamic neurons in rats with 6-OHDA-induced lesions of the midbrain. By contrast, no effect was observed in nonlesioned control animals. This prope rty may contribute to the neuroprotective effects of riluzole in animal mod els of PD through the modulation of the glutamatergic inputs these neurons feedback to nigral dopaminergic neurons. (C) 2001 Movement Disorder Society .