Gait improvement by high-frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in Parkinsonian mice is not associated with changes of the cholinergic system in the pedunculopontine nucleus

Deep Brain Stimulation Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease: Immediate and Long-Term Effects

“…The pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is located in the upper pons in the dorsolateral part of the pontomesencephalic tegmentum and is a neural structure of remarkable diversity, consisting mainly of cholinergic, glutergic, and GABA components [129]. The PPN is linked to gait and balance control [129,130], and it has been identified as a potential target for deep brain stimulation for treating movement and postural disorders [131]. The application of low-frequency stimulation to the PPN has shown promise in mitigating gait impairments among persons with PD [131].…”

“…The application of low-frequency stimulation to the PPN has shown promise in mitigating gait impairments among persons with PD [131]. The impact of STN-DBS on cholinergic neurons in the PPN remains uncertain [130]. However, according to clinical research, DBS targeting the STN has been observed to lead to enhancements in gait speed, distance, postural control, and balance among individuals with PD [132].…”

“…However, according to clinical research, DBS targeting the STN has been observed to lead to enhancements in gait speed, distance, postural control, and balance among individuals with PD [132]. These improvements are not directly influenced by the activation of cholinergic neurons in the PPN or local alterations in cholinergic fibers within the STN [130]. Instead, experiments in mice have shown that these effects may be transmitted through other neural pathways [130].…”

“…These improvements are not directly influenced by the activation of cholinergic neurons in the PPN or local alterations in cholinergic fibers within the STN [130]. Instead, experiments in mice have shown that these effects may be transmitted through other neural pathways [130]. Therefore, additional studies are necessary to clarify the impact of DBS on the cholinergic system in the pedunculopontine nucleus.…”