The Subthalamic Nucleus: From In Vitro to In Vivo Mechanisms

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the functional properties of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and describes recent insights in its role in normal and patho­logical brain processes, with emphasis on Parkinson's disease (PD) and epileptic disorders. Due to its strategic position in the organization of the basal gangli, and its specific electrophysiological and synaptic properties, the STN has a cardinal and leading situation in basal ganglia functions. The chapter reviews the recent findings concerning the various types of normal spontaneous activities of STN neurons in vivo, and their relationships to cortical synchronization and vigilance states. The role of the dopaminergic system, and of its alteration, in the modulation of activity in the STN and related networks will be addressed, with a special emphasis on the abnormal oscillatory neuronal pattern associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). Finally, the functional implication of the STN in non-convulsive generalized epilepsy is also highlighted, based on the recent in vivo electrophysiological investigations performed in a genetic model of absence seizures.