Data set_Network-wide modulation of synaptic plasticity and spike patterns in motor circuits by pallidal deep brain stimulation in a dystonia model

This study utilized deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) to investigate its long-term effects on synaptic activity in motor thalamic and motor cortical neurons in an animal model of generalized dystonia (dtsz hamster). Whole-cell recordings were employed to measure synaptic spike patterns, revealing significant changes in DBS-treated animals compared to sham-treated controls. Specifically, we observed reduced interspike intervals (ISI) and increased postsynaptic current (PSC) frequencies. Fast oscillations were also detected in both thalamic and motor cortical neurons, indicating potential modulation of corticothalamocortical loops by GPi-DBS. Notably, while the overall discharge rates of spontaneous and evoked action potentials remained unchanged, DBS treatment led to increased PSC amplitudes and alterations in inhibitory synaptic currents. These findings suggest that GPi-DBS influences both presynaptic and postsynaptic mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. The results further indicate that GPi-DBS disrupts desynchronized neural activity through axonal and synaptic failures, thereby reorganizing neuronal firing patterns and synaptic connectivity within the motor circuit. This modulation provides mechanistic insights into the therapeutic effects of GPi-DBS in alleviating dystonic symptoms.