OIST Study Uncovers Neural Roots of Parkinson's Disease

OIST scientists have gained new insight into the abnormal brain activity underlying Parkinson’s disease. In a mouse model of the disease, the scientists observed that one group of neurons in a particular brain region--the striatum–fire in sync and dominate the overall activity of that region. When striatal neurons are stimulated continuously, they exhibit this abnormal behavior. By stimulating the neurons in precise pulses, the researchers observed that the neurons returned to their normal activity pattern, with groups of cells firing in turn.