| Popis: |
In Parkinson’s Disease, pacemaker-like stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) at a frequency near 130 Hz can suppress symptoms like tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. However, the mechanism by which this so-called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) exerts its effect is unknown. In order to increase our understanding of the network in which the STN is involved (the basal ganglia, among others involved in motor tasks), we are now measuring neuronal activity in brain slices containing STN using 3D-MEAs. 3D-MEAs offer the possibility to measure a large number of sites simultaneously in slices which retain in-vivo topography and connectivity. This approach is not yet used within Parkinson’s Disease research and may answer crucial questions about the (patho-) physiology of the STN and surrounding network. |
