Frequency selectivity and dopamine-dependence of plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in the subthalamic nucleus

▶We have studied synaptic plasticity of the cortico-subthalamic pathway. ▶We find HFS depresses cortico-subthalamic synapses but only in dopamine-depleted tissue. ▶LFS enhances transmission but only in dopamine-intact tissue. ▶Both these plasticity have presynaptic components. ▶Suggests dopamine-dependent changes in the synaptic weight of this pathway. ▶Suggests DBS promotes synaptic depression in Parkinson's disease.