Basic mechanisms of rTMS: Implications in Parkinson's disease

Oscar Arias-Carrión

Experimental Neurology, Philipps University, D-35033 Marburg, Germany

author email corresponding author email

International Archives of Medicine 2008, 1:2doi:10.1186/1755-7682-1-2


Published:	15 April 2008

Abstract

Background

Basic and clinical research suggests a potential role for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, compared to the growing number of clinical studies on its putative therapeutic properties, the studies on the basic mechanisms of rTMS are surprisingly scarce.

Results

Animal studies have broadened our understanding of how rTMS affects brain circuits and the causal chain in brain-behavior relationships. The observed changes are thought to be to neurotransmitter release, transsynaptic efficiency, signaling pathways and gene transcription. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that rTMS induces neurogenesis, neuronal viability and secretion of neuroprotective molecules.

Conclusion

The mechanisms underlying the disease-modifying effects of these and related rTMS in animals are the principle subject of the current review. The possible applications for treatment of Parkinson's disease are discussed.