Objective: Using a new deep brain stimulation (DBS) pulse generator device that can record local field potentials (Activa PC+S, Medtronic Inc.), the current experiment investigated the long-term and dopamine dependent dynamics of subthalamic nucleus local field potentials.

Background: DBS of the subthalamic nucleus is an established treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease. While basal ganglia oscillations can be measured by recording local field potentials (LFP: activity of groups of neurons), this is traditionally only possible when the DBS leads are externalized at 2-5 days after the initial surgery.

Methods: Bilateral subthalamic nucleus LFP recordings were conducted at 3-4 weeks, 2, 6 months post-operatively in both the ON and OFF (minimum 12 hour withdrawal) dopaminergic medication states in 6 patients with Parkinson’s disease. Recordings were 5 minutes in length and collected while the patient was at rest. Alpha (8-12 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and gamma (55-100 Hz) band power were computed and normalized to the percent of total power across all bands.

Results: Beta power results showed a progressive increase over time in the OFF medication state, but no change over time in the ON medication state. In contrast, there was a progressive decrease in gamma power over time in both the ON and OFF medication states.

Conclusions: These results suggest that subthalamic nucleus beta and gamma oscillations in the OFF state may change over time, with changes in band power possibly related to resolution of lesion effect or disease progression. Interestingly, dopaminergic medications stabilized beta power over time but had no effect on gamma power. The development of closed loop DBS using LFP oscillations will need to take into account changes in LFP power over time.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/long-term-and-dopamine-dependent-dynamics-of-subthalamic-nucleus-local-field-potentials-in-parkinsons-disease/