For many years the subthalamic nucleus had a poor reputation among neurosurgeons as a result of the acute movement disorders that develop after its lesion or manipulation through different surgical procedures. However, this nucleus is now considered a key structure in relation to parkinsonism, and it is currently one of the preferred therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease. The implication of the subthalamic nucleus in the pathophysiology of chorea and in the parkinsonian state is thought to be related to its role in modulating the basal ganglia, a fundamental circuit in movement control. Indeed, recent findings have renewed interest in this anatomical structure. Accordingly, this review aims to present a history of the subthalamic nucleus, evolving from the classic surgical concepts associated with the avoidance of this structure, to our current understanding of its importance based on findings from more recent models. Future developments regarding the relationship of the subthalamic nucleus to neuroprotection are also discussed in this review. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mds.92 | DOI Listing |
PLoS Biol
January 2025
Carney Institute for Brain Science, Department of Cognitive & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America.
The basal ganglia (BG) play a key role in decision-making, preventing impulsive actions in some contexts while facilitating fast adaptations in others. The specific contributions of different BG structures to this nuanced behavior remain unclear, particularly under varying situations of noisy and conflicting information that necessitate ongoing adjustments in the balance between speed and accuracy. Theoretical accounts suggest that dynamic regulation of the amount of evidence required to commit to a decision (a dynamic "decision boundary") may be necessary to meet these competing demands.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNeurosurg Rev
January 2025
Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Av. De los Reyes Católicos, 2, Madrid, 28040, Spain.
Matched-controlled long-term disease evaluation and neuropsychological outcomes derived from deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) in Parkinson´s disease (PD) are lacking, with inconsistent results regarding the cognitive impact of this procedure. Here we study the long-term effects associated to DBS comparing outcomes with a matched control group. A prospective observational study of 40 patients with PD with bilateral STN-DBS, with a mean follow-up of 9 (6-12) years was conducted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFGac Med Mex
January 2025
Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Department of Physiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, atypical parkinsonism, characterized by the presence of intracerebral tau protein aggregates and determined by a wide spectrum of clinical features. The definitive diagnosis is postmortem and is identified through the presence of neuronal death, gliosis, and aggregates of the tau protein presented in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (MNF) with a globose appearance in regions such as the subthalamic nucleus, the substantia nigra, and the globus pallidus The findings in ancillary imaging studies, as well as fluids biomarkers, are not sufficient to support diagnosis of PSP but are used to rule out similar pathologies because there are still no specific or validated biomarkers for this disease. The current treatment of PSP is focused on reducing symptoms, although emerging therapies seek to counteract its pathophysiological mechanisms.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrain Struct Funct
January 2025
Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
In this study, we analyzed the spatio-temporal pattern of expression of specific transcription factors (PITX2, FOXA1, BARHL1, FOXP1, FOXP2) in the human fetal subthalamic nucleus and its neighboring structures from 11 postconceptional weeks (PCW) to 3 postnatal months. We found that all analyzed transcription factors are expressed already during the early fetal period (at 11 PCW). Both FOXP1- and FOXP2-immunoreactive cells were found in the subthalamic nucleus as well as in the striatum, thalamus, reticular nucleus, but not in the zona incerta.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnn Neurol
January 2025
CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Objective: Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases are characterized by progressive neuronal loss. Previous studies using human postmortem tissues have shown the impact of neurodegenerative disorders on adult neurogenesis. The extent to which adult neural stem cells are activated in the subventricular zone and whether therapeutic treatments such as deep brain stimulation promote adult neurogenesis remains unclear.
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