Synaptic Transmission, Plasticity and Integration in the Subthalamic Nucleus

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The emergence ofcorrelated, low-frequency (< 30 Hz), rhythmicactivity ofneurons in the subthalamicnucle- us (STN) is critical for the symptomatic expression of Parkinson's disease (PD). GABAergic synaptic inputs from the external globus pallidusand glutamatergicsynaptic inputs from the cortex and thalamus are critical for the normal and pathological patterning ofSTNactivity. The principal hypothesis that will be tested bythis research is that the loss of dopamine in PD leads to abnormal synaptic transmission within the STN, which (in part) underlies the pathological firing pattern. This hypothesis will be tested using electrophysiological recording of STN neurons in brain slices, correlated light and electron microscopy and 2-photon imaging. The influence of dopamine will be assessed by comparison of synaptic transmission and integration in i) the presence and absence of dopamine receptor agonists/antagonists and 2) in normal and dopamine-depleted animals. There are three specific aims of the project. Specific Aim i: Measure the short-term plasticity and impactof GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptictansmission and their modulationby dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists. Specific Aim2: Determine the pre- and/or postynaptic activity patterns that underlielong-term plasticity of GABAergicand glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the STN. Specific Aim 3: Compare the operation and influence of GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses in the STNin control animalsand experi- mental models of PD. The knowledgegenerated bythis project will further our understandingofthe factors underlying pathological activity in the STNand assist the rational development oftherapies that ameliorate the symptoms and inter- rupt the progression of PD by modification of STN activity. Lay Description: Abolition of pathological activity of nerve cells in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) leads to a profound improvement in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). This project will test the hypothesis that pathological STNactivity is driven (in part) by abnormal inputs to STNnerve cells in PD. By elucidating the mechanisms underlyingabnormal activity, this research will guidethe rational development of therapies that ameliorate the symptoms and interrupt the progression ofPDthroughthe normalizationof STNactivity.