Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
118(43)
Published: Oct. 20, 2021
In
Parkinson's
disease
(PD),
the
loss
of
midbrain
dopaminergic
cells
results
in
severe
locomotor
deficits,
such
as
gait
freezing
and
akinesia.
Growing
evidence
indicates
that
these
deficits
can
be
attributed
to
decreased
activity
mesencephalic
region
(MLR),
a
brainstem
controlling
locomotion.
Clinicians
are
exploring
deep
brain
stimulation
MLR
treatment
option
improve
function.
The
variable,
from
modest
promising.
However,
within
MLR,
clinicians
have
targeted
pedunculopontine
nucleus
exclusively,
while
leaving
cuneiform
unexplored.
To
our
knowledge,
effects
never
been
determined
parkinsonian
conditions
any
animal
model.
Here,
we
addressed
this
issue
mouse
model
PD,
based
on
bilateral
striatal
injection
6-hydroxydopamine,
which
damaged
nigrostriatal
pathway
activity.
We
show
selective
optogenetic
glutamatergic
neurons
mice
expressing
channelrhodopsin
Cre-dependent
manner
Vglut2-positive
(Vglut2-ChR2-EYFP
mice)
increased
number
initiations,
time
spent
locomotion,
controlled
speed.
Using
learning-based
movement
analysis,
found
limb
kinematics
optogenetic-evoked
locomotion
pathological
were
largely
similar
those
recorded
intact
animals.
Our
work
identifies
potentially
clinically
relevant
target
conditions.
study
should
open
avenues
develop
using
stimulation,
pharmacotherapy,
or
optogenetics.
Frontiers in Neural Circuits,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
16
Published: May 9, 2022
The
mesencephalic
locomotor
region
(MLR)
was
discovered
several
decades
ago
in
the
cat.
It
functionally
defined
based
on
ability
of
low
threshold
electrical
stimuli
within
a
comprising
cuneiform
and
pedunculopontine
nucleus
to
evoke
locomotion.
Since
then,
similar
regions
have
been
found
diverse
vertebrate
species,
including
lamprey,
skate,
rodent,
pig,
monkey,
human.
MLR,
while
often
viewed
under
lens
locomotion,
is
involved
processes
involving
autonomic
nervous
system,
respiratory
state-dependent
activation
motor
systems.
This
review
will
discuss
that
comprises
MLR
examine
their
respective
connectomes
from
both
an
anatomical
functional
angle.
From
perspective,
primes
cardiovascular
systems
before
activity
occurs.
Inputs
variety
higher
structures,
direct
outputs
monoaminergic
nuclei,
allow
be
able
respond
appropriately
These
effects
are
roughly
divided
into
escape
exploratory
behavior,
also
can
reinforce
selection
these
behaviors
through
projections
adjacent
structures
such
as
periaqueductal
gray
or
limbic
cortical
regions.
Findings
rat,
mouse,
cat
discussed
highlight
similarities
differences
among
species.
International Journal of Stroke,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
19(2), P. 145 - 157
Published: Oct. 12, 2023
The
purpose
of
this
Third
Stroke
Recovery
and
Rehabilitation
Roundtable
(SRRR3)
was
to
develop
consensus
recommendations
address
outstanding
barriers
for
the
translation
preclinical
clinical
research
using
non-invasive
brain
stimulation
(NIBS)
techniques
Transcranial
Magnetic
Stimulation
(TMS)
Direct
Current
(tDCS)
provide
a
roadmap
integration
these
into
practice.
Robo-pigeons,
a
novel
class
of
hybrid
robotic
systems
developed
using
brain-computer
interface
technology,
hold
marked
promise
for
search
and
rescue
missions
due
to
their
superior
load-bearing
capacity
sustained
flight
performance.
However,
current
research
remains
largely
confined
laboratory
environments,
precise
control
behavior,
especially
altitude
regulation,
in
large-scale
spatial
range
outdoors
continues
pose
challenge.
Herein,
we
focus
on
overcoming
this
limitation
by
electrical
stimulation
the
locus
coeruleus
(LoC)
nucleus
regulate
outdoor
altitude.
We
investigated
effects
varying
parameters,
including
frequency
(SF),
interstimulus
interval
(ISI),
cycles
(SC),
robo-pigeons.
The
findings
indicate
that
SF
functions
as
pivotal
switch
controlling
ascending
descending
modes
Specifically,
60
Hz
effectively
induced
an
average
12.241
m
with
87.72%
success
rate,
while
80
resulted
15.655
90.52%
rate.
below
40
did
not
affect
change,
whereas
over
100
caused
unstable
flights.
number
SC
was
directly
correlated
magnitude
enabling
quantitative
behavior.
Importantly,
LoC
had
no
significant
direction.
This
study
is
first
establish
targeted
variation
parameters
within
can
achieve
robo-pigeons,
providing
new
insights
advancing
animal-robot
real-world
applications.
BMJ Open,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
11(9), P. e047670 - e047670
Published: Sept. 1, 2021
Introduction
Spinal
cord
injury
(SCI)
is
a
devastating
condition
with
immediate
impact
on
the
individual’s
health
and
quality
of
life.
Major
functional
recovery
reaches
plateau
3–4
months
after
despite
intensive
rehabilitative
training.
To
enhance
training
efficacy
improve
long-term
outcomes,
combination
rehabilitation
electrical
modulation
spinal
brain
has
recently
aroused
scientific
interest
encouraging
results.
The
mesencephalic
locomotor
region
(MLR),
an
evolutionarily
conserved
brainstem
command
control
centre,
considered
promising
target
for
deep
stimulation
(DBS)
in
patients
SCI.
Experiments
showed
that
MLR-DBS
can
induce
locomotion
rats
white
matter
destructions
>85%.
Methods
analysis
In
this
prospective
one-armed
multi-centre
study,
we
investigate
safety,
feasibility,
therapeutic
to
enable
severely
affected,
subchronic
chronic
American
Injury
Association
Impairment
Scale
C
order
recovery.
Patients
undergo
programme
while
being
regularly
followed
up
until
6
post-implantation.
acquired
data
each
timepoint
are
compared
baseline
primary
endpoint
performance
6-minute
walking
test.
clinical
trial
protocol
was
written
accordance
Standard
Protocol
Items:
Recommendations
Interventional
Trials
checklist.
Ethics
dissemination
This
first
in-man
study
investigates
potential
SCI
patients.
One
patient
already
been
implanted
electrodes
underwent
MLR
during
locomotion.
Based
preliminary
results
which
promise
safety
recruitment
further
currently
ongoing.
Ethical
approval
obtained
from
Committee
Canton
Zurich
(case
number
BASEC
2016-01104)
Swissmedic
(10000316).
Results
will
be
published
peer-reviewed
journals
presented
at
conferences.
Trial
registration
NCT03053791
.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
23(18), P. 10738 - 10738
Published: Sept. 14, 2022
Locomotion
is
a
basic
motor
act
essential
for
survival.
Amongst
other
things,
it
allows
animals
to
move
in
their
environment
seek
food,
escape
predators,
or
mates
reproduction.
The
neural
mechanisms
involved
the
control
of
locomotion
have
been
examined
many
vertebrate
species
and
clearer
picture
progressively
emerging.
muscle
synergies
responsible
propulsion
are
generated
by
networks
located
spinal
cord.
In
turn,
descending
supraspinal
inputs
starting,
maintaining,
stopping
as
well
steering
controlling
speed.
Several
neurotransmitter
systems
play
crucial
role
modulating
activity
during
locomotion.
For
instance,
cholinergic
both
at
levels
underlying
focus
present
review.
Much
information
gained
on
modulation
was
obtained
from
lamprey
model.
Nicotinic
increase
level
excitation
brainstem
command
neurons,
reticulospinal
neurons
(RSNs),
whereas
muscarinic
activate
select
group
hindbrain
that
project
RSNs
boost
excitation.
Muscarinic
also
reduce
transmission
sensory
brainstem,
phenomenon
could
help
sustaining
goal
directed
cord,
intrinsic
strongly
modulate
interneurons
motoneurons
locomotor
output.
Altogether,
review
underlines
importance
vertebrates.
The Neuroscientist,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
30(3), P. 347 - 366
Published: Dec. 28, 2022
The
mesencephalic
locomotor
region
(MLR)
controls
locomotion
in
vertebrates.
In
humans
with
Parkinson
disease,
deficits
are
increasingly
associated
decreased
activity
the
MLR.
This
brainstem
region,
commonly
considered
to
include
cuneiform
and
pedunculopontine
nuclei,
has
been
explored
as
a
target
for
deep
brain
stimulation
improve
function,
but
results
variable,
from
modest
promising.
However,
MLR
is
heterogeneous
structure,
identification
of
best
cell
type
only
beginning.
Here,
I
review
studies
that
uncovered
role
genetically
defined
types,
highlight
cells
whose
activation
improves
function
animal
models
disease.
promising
types
activate
comprise
some
glutamatergic
neurons
caudal
well
cholinergic
nucleus.
Activation
GABAergic
should
be
avoided,
since
they
stop
or
evoke
bouts
flanked
numerous
stops.
also
potential
spinal
cord
injury,
supranuclear
palsy,
primary
progressive
freezing
gait,
stroke.
Better
targeting
achieved
through
optimized
protocols,
pharmacotherapy,
development
optogenetics
human
use.
Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
56(1), P. 35 - 44
Published: Jan. 26, 2022
Parkinson's
disease
(PD)
is
a
common,
progressive,
and
incurable
neurodegenerative
disease.
Pharmacological
treatment
the
first‐line
therapy
for
PD,
including
carbidopa–levodopa,
dopamine
agonists.
However,
some
patients
respond
poorly
to
medication.
For
these
patients,
functional
neurosurgical
an
important
option.
Magnetic
resonance‐guided
focused
ultrasound
(MRgFUS)
novel,
minimally
invasive
surgical
option
refractory
drugs.
Currently,
several
anatomical
structures
can
be
targeted
by
MRgFUS
in
of
PD.
there
no
uniform
standard
target
selection.
This
review
summarizes
clinical
studies
on
focusing
relationship
between
different
targets
relieved
symptoms,
help
clinicians
determine
ideal
therapeutic
individual
patients.
Evidence
Level
5
Technical
Efficacy
Stage
4
Pilot and Feasibility Studies,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
7(1)
Published: June 2, 2021
Abstract
Background
Freezing
of
gait
(FOG)
is
a
particularly
debilitating
motor
deficit
seen
in
subset
Parkinson’s
disease
(PD)
patients
that
poorly
responsive
to
standard
levodopa
therapy
or
deep
brain
stimulation
(DBS)
established
PD
targets
such
as
the
subthalamic
nucleus
and
globus
pallidus
interna.
The
proposal
DBS
target
midbrain,
known
pedunculopontine
(PPN)
address
FOG,
was
based
on
its
observed
pathology
hypothesized
involvement
locomotor
control
part
mesencephalic
region,
functionally
defined
area
midbrain
elicits
locomotion
both
intact
animals
decerebrate
animal
preparations
with
electrical
stimulation.
Initial
reports
PPN
were
met
much
enthusiasm;
however,
subsequent
studies
produced
mixed
results,
recent
meta-analysis
results
have
been
far
less
convincing
than
initially
expected.
A
closer
review
extensive
region
(MLR)
preclinical
literature,
including
optogenetics
studies,
strongly
suggests
closely
related
cuneiform
(CnF),
just
dorsal
PPN,
may
be
superior
promote
initiation.
Methods
We
will
conduct
prospective,
open-label,
single-arm
pilot
study
assess
safety
feasibility
CnF
levodopa-refractory
FOG.
Four
receive
assessments
without
during
6-month
follow-up.
Discussion
This
paper
presents
design
rationale
for
investigating
novel
dysfunction,
targeting
considerations.
intended
support
future
larger
scale
clinical
trials
this
target.
Trial
registration
ClinicalTrials.gov
identifier:
NCT04218526
(registered
January
6,
2020)
Frontiers in Neurorobotics,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
17
Published: April 17, 2023
The
robo-pigeon
using
homing
pigeons
as
a
motion
carrier
has
great
potential
in
search
and
rescue
operations
due
to
its
superior
weight-bearing
capacity
sustained
flight
capabilities.
However,
before
deploying
such
robo-pigeons,
it
is
necessary
establish
safe,
stable,
long-term
effective
neuro-electrical
stimulation
interface
quantify
the
responses
various
stimuli.In
this
study,
we
investigated
effects
of
variables
frequency
(SF),
duration
(SD),
inter-stimulus
interval
(ISI)
on
turning
control
robo-pigeons
outdoors,
evaluated
efficiency
accuracy
behavior
accordingly.The
results
showed
that
angle
can
be
significantly
controlled
by
appropriately
increasing
SF
SD.
Increasing
ISI
radius
robotic
pigeons.
success
rate
decreases
when
parameters
exceed
>
100
Hz
or
SD
5
s.
Thus,
robo-pigeon's
from
15
55°
25
135
m
could
graded
manner
selecting
varying
stimulus
variables.These
findings
used
optimize
strategy
achieve
precise
their
outdoors.
also
suggest
have
for
use
where
required.