Keywords: Parkinson’s disease (PD), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), neuromodulation

"Monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems underlie therapeutic and side effects of deep brain stimulation"

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and postural instability, as well as non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairments and mood disorders. While dopamine replacement therapy can help manage motor symptoms in early stages, it is not a cure and can have side effects. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure that implants electrodes in specific brain regions to alleviate motor symptoms. DBS of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has become a standard treatment for PD.

DBS affects the activity of monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems, including dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, which play crucial roles in regulating various brain functions. The effects of DBS on these systems are important for optimizing its benefits and minimizing side effects. Furthermore, the use of magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) is an emerging approach for wireless neuromodulation. We have shown that magnetoelectric stimulation of the STN has shown similar effects to conventional STN-DBS, including enhanced locomotion and increased activity in the motor cortex and paraventricular thalamus.

Despite the potential benefits, there are challenges in using nanomaterials for neuromodulation, including optimizing the technology, developing less invasive delivery methods, and studying the optimal stimulation parameters. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of MENPs for PD treatment.

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