We investigated the causal role of beta-band activity in PD motor symptoms by testing the effects of beta-frequency subthalamic nucleus deep-brain stimulation (STN DBS) on the blink reflex excitability, amplitude, and plasticity in normal rats. Delivering 16 Hz STN DBS produced the same increase in blink reflex excitability Selleckchem AZD2014 and impairment in blink reflex plasticity in normal rats as occurs in rats with 6-hydroxydopamine lesions and patients with PD. These deficits were not an artifact of STN DBS because, when these normal rats received 130 Hz STN DBS, their blink characteristics were the same as without STN DBS. To demonstrate that the blink reflex disturbances with 16 Hz STN DBS were frequency specific, we tested the

same rats with 7 Hz STN DBS, a theta-band frequency typical of dystonia. In contrast to beta stimulation, 7 Hz STN DBS exaggerated the blink reflex plasticity as occurs in focal dystonia. Thus, without destroying dopamine neurons or blocking dopamine receptors, frequency-specific

STN DBS can be used to create PD-like or dystonic-like symptoms in a normal rat. “
“There is a vast (and rapidly growing) amount of experimental and clinical data of the nervous system at very diverse spatial scales of activity (e.g. from sub-cellular through to whole organ), with many neurological disorders characterized by oscillations in neural activity across these disparate scales. Computer modelling and the development ABT-263 research buy of associated mathematical theories provide us with a unique opportunity to integrate information from

across these diverse scales of activity; leading to explanations of the potential mechanisms underlying the time-evolving dynamics and, more importantly, allowing the development of new hypotheses regarding neural function that may be tested experimentally and ultimately translated into the clinic. The purpose of this special issue is to present an overview of current integrative research in the areas of epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, where multidisciplinary relationships involving theory, experimental and clinical research are becoming increasingly established. “
“In the Celastrol published manuscript of Geiser et al. (2010) an error occurred in Fig. 2. The condition names presented in Fig. 2 were incorrect. The correct Fig. 2 is indicated below. The authors apologize for the error and any inconvenience caused. “
“Cover Illustration: Spontaneous exploration of an enriched environment in awake, behaving rats can completely protect the cortex from impending stroke. In rats placed under ischemic duress via middle cerebral artery occlusion, cortical activation via sensory and motor activity within three hours of ischemic onset is sufficient to induce neuroprotection. For details see the article of Lay & Frostig (Complete protection from impending stroke following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in awake, behaving rats. Eur. J. Neurosci.