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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Parkinson's Treatment Shows Promise in Mice

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(Newser) – Potential good news for Parkinson's patients: An experimental treatment on mice that involves implanting electrodes on the spinal cord had great success, Reuters reports. Mice that received the so-called stimulator were able to move more easily. Human trials are expected to start next year, and they could lead the way to a safer, cheaper, and more effective way to treat the debilitating symptoms of the disease.

"We see an almost immediate and dramatic change in the animal's ability to function when the device stimulates the spinal cord," writes one of the lead researchers in Science. Some Parkinson's patients currently have similar stimulators placed in the brain, but that's a risky procedure that benefits a relative few. The spinal cord stimulator also seems to improve the effectiveness of L-dopa treatment, a Parkinson’s drug.

A New Mexican meadow jumping mouse.
A New Mexican meadow jumping mouse.   (AP Photo)
Lab mice.
Lab mice.   (Getty Images)
Deep Brain Stimulation places the electrodes in the brain, not the spine, and is only effective in 30% of patients.
Deep Brain Stimulation places the electrodes in the brain, not the spine, and is only effective in 30% of patients.   (AP Photo)
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This technique is much easier, cheaper and can be done in conjunction with a much smaller dose of medication. It addresses Parkinson's disease in a very different way. - Dr. Miguel Nicolelis, Duke University

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An abstract of the journal article
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Parkinson's disease • dopamine • therapy • deep brain stimulation • spinal cord • lab mice • laboratory

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