INTRODUCTION: Loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) lead to motor deficits observed in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The neurosurgical therapy of choice is high frequency stimulation of subthalamic nucleus (HFS-STN) improved motor control. The motor impairment depends on the progression of nigral degeneration and in rats model of PD may be measured by Vermicelli handling test (VHT). AIM(S): The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of HFS‑STN on VHT behavior in rats with early PD model, induced by 6-OHDA infusion into SNpc. METHOD(S): Male Wistar rats (n=12) were implanted unilaterally for HFS-STN and received a intranigral infusion of 6-OHDA. 5 days before infusion rats were trained on handle 7 cm lengths of vermicelli pasta and acclimated to video recording. Then, rats were subjected to HFS-STN for 7 days (1 h daily) at intensity just below triggering forelimb dyskinesia or SHAM stimulation. The VHT was providing in both groups each day. The number of adjustments made with each forepaw per each pasta piece, which allow definite Vermicelli asymmetry ratio (VAR) and time to eat were analyzed. PD model have been verified by the detection of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta. For a statistical analysis of the results, SPSS software was used. RESULTS: U-Man Whitney tests showed that HFS-STN stimulated rats consumed the pasta significantly faster than the SHAM (p≤0.001) across days 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th after 6-OHDA infusion. Interestingly, the VAR was higher in HFS-STN rats in 1st and 4th (p≤0.001 and p≤0.01) days in comparison to SHAM animals. The atypical behaviors were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The HFS-STN applied in partial dopamine depleted rats influence on time of pasta eating and enhanced asymmetries in forepaw adjustments. The obtained results suggest that faster eating after HFS-STN may be related with amelioration of orofacial movements or increased motivation for food, but not with forepaw manipulation improvement. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Supported by the Department of Animal and Human Physiology found 530-L124-D248-16.
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