This monograph gives an overview of the STN. It treats the position of the STN in hemiballism, based on older and recent data. The cytology encompasses the neuronal types present in the STN in nearly all studied species and focuses on interneurons and the extent of their dendrites. Ultrastructural features are described for cat and baboon (F1, F2, Sr, LR1, LR2 boutons and d.c.v. terminals, together with vesicle containing dendrites), the cytochemistry is focused on receptors (dopamine, cannabinoid, opioid, glutamate, GABA, serotonin, and cholinergic-, purinergic ones) and calcium binding proteins and calcium channels. The development of the subthalamic nucleus from the subthalamic cell cord is given together with its developing connections. The topography of rat, cat, baboon and man is worked out as to cytology, sagittal borders, surrounding nuclei and tracts, and aging of the human STN. The connections of the STN are extensively elaborated on: cortical-, subthalamo-cortical-, pallidosubthalamic-, pedunculopontine-, raphe-, thalamic-, central grey-, and nigral connections. Emphasis is put on human connections. Recent nigro-subthalamic studies showed a contralateral projection. The role of the STN in the basal ganglia circuitry is described as to the direct, indirect and hyperdirect pathway. The change the STN undergoes in Parkinson's disease in neuronal firing rate and firing pattern is demonstrated together with the possible mechanisms of deep brain stimulation. The results of in vitro measurements on dissociated cultured subthalamic neurons are presented. The preliminary effects of application of acetylcholine and high frequency stimulation are described. This part is preceded with studies concerning spontaneous activity, depolarizing and hyperpolarizing inputs, synaptic inputs, high frequency stimulation, and burst activity of STN cells. The last extensive part concerns STN cell models and simulation of neuronal networks. Single cell models (model of Otsukaand Terman/Rubin) are compared and the multi-compartment model of Gillies and Willshaw is explored. The globus pallidus externus-STN network as proposed by Terman is briefly described. The monograph finishes with a series of interpretations of the results.

Résumé

Part II starts with a systemic model of the basal ganglia to evaluate the position of the STN in the direct, indirect and hyperdirect pathways. A summary of in vitro studies is given, describing STN spontaneous activity as well as responses to depolarizing and hyperpolarizing inputs, and high frequency stimulation. STN bursting activity and the underlying ionic mechanisms are investigated. Deep brain stimulation used for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease is discussed in terms of the elements that are influenced and its hypothesized mechanisms. This part of the monograph pays attention to the pedunculopontine-subthalamic connections and tries in cell cultures to mimic neurotransmitter actions of the pedunculopontine nucleus and high frequency stimulation on cultured dissociated rat subthalamic neurons. STN cell models: single and multi compartment, and system level models are discussed in relation to subthalamic function and dysfunction. Part I and II are mutually compared.

Contenu

The Basal Ganglia.- STN Activity Recorded in Vitro: Brain Slices.- STN Activity Recorded in Vitro: Dissociated Cell Cultures.- STN Cell Models and Simulation of Neuronal Networks.- Comparison of Part I and Part II.