Population-specific neuromodulation prolongs therapeutic benefits of deep brain stimulation

Abstract

How to optimize deep-brain stimulation Deep-brain stimulation as presently used in clinical settings, for example, to treat Parkinson’s disease, does not differentiate between different neural circuitries. Considerable improvements could thus be achieved with selective stimulation that targets particular neuronal populations. Spix et al . used optogenetics to develop a clever electrical stimulation protocol that enhances cell-type specificity (see the Perspective by Haas). The authors managed to drive population-specific neuromodulation in a brain region called the external globus pallidus with brief bursts of electrical stimulation, which then yielded a long-lasting effect in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. —PRS