Conclusion
The pedunculopontine nucleus integrates both sensory and motor information via ascending and descending pathways. With respect to research concerning the function of this region, however, interspecies anatomical and physiological differences need to be taken into account. The efficacy of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease and possibly progressive supranuclear palsy is most likely unrelated to dopaminergic dysfunction but may be mediated by modulation of cholinergic neurons in the pedunculopontine nucleus region. It is important to note that the effect of deep brain stimulation might not be mediated by the pedunculopontine nucleus proper but also by neighbouring structures such as the cuneiform and subcuneiform nucleus. These issues need to be taken into account when using animal models to examine the effect of pedunculopontine nucleus deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.
Abbreviations
MPTP = 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank to PD. Dr. med. Michel Mittelbronn, Institute of Neurology (Edinger-Institute) Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt for critical reading and helpful comments and also Ms. Armstrong for proofreading of the article.
Brain. 2011;134(1):1-23. © 2011
Oxford University Press
Cite this: The Pedunculopontine Nucleus Area: Critical Evaluation of Interspecies Differences Relevant for its Use as a Target for Deep Brain Stimulation - Medscape - Jan 01, 2011.
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