High-frequency pallidal stimulation eliminates tic-related neuronal activity in a nonhuman primate model of Tourette syndrome

Neuroreport. 2012 Mar 7;23(4):206-10. doi: 10.1097/WNR.0b013e32834fab9d.

Abstract

High-frequency deep brain stimulation targeting the output nucleus of the basal ganglia, the globus pallidus internus, has been suggested as a treatment modality for intractable Tourette syndrome and basal-ganglia-mediated motor tics. Recent studies on the modeling of motor tics induced by focal injections of bicuculline to the striatum, a putative model of Tourette syndrome, have shown that tics induce a widespread modulation within both segments of the globus pallidus. The purpose of this study was to investigate, using the bicuculline-induced Tourette syndrome model, whether and how high-frequency deep brain stimulation targeted to the globus pallidus internus could modulate tic-related activity in the pallidum. The perievent rate changes coinciding with tic expression under the on-stimulation and off-stimulation conditions were examined to determine the effect of high-frequency stimulation on pallidal activity. The results showed that the stimulation blocked tic-related phasic changes in the firing pattern of pallidal cells in parallel with a reduction of the peak amplitude of tic events in the electromyography record. This finding supports the premise that deep brain stimulation targeted to the globus pallidus internus could be a viable treatment option for Tourette syndrome, and the use of pallidal stimulation for motor tics warrants further study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Globus Pallidus / physiology
  • Globus Pallidus / surgery*
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Male
  • Neurons / pathology*
  • Tics / physiopathology
  • Tics / prevention & control
  • Tics / therapy*
  • Tourette Syndrome / pathology
  • Tourette Syndrome / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome