Exploring a potential new neuromodulation target

Investigators: Patrick Whelan, Zelma Kiss

We are investigating a brain region, called medial zona incerta (mZI), which influences locomotor control, and is preserved in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. The stimulation of this region can rescue motor deficits in these animal models. This region might therefore be very important as a potential therapeutic target for stimulation, in that it might rescue gait disturbance in PD.

We are now testing its involvement in a progressive animal model, which mimics human disease much better, and how the application of miniature DBS devices may help improving gait disturbances in these animals.