A quantitative comparison of basal ganglia neuronal activities of normal and Parkinson's disease model rats

► Firing patterns were compared between normal and PD model rats in STN, SNpr, and GP. ► A simple algorithm for automatic identification of firing pattern was developed. ► Firing rates were not significantly altered in PD models compared to normal controls. ► More neurons in three basal ganglia nuclei showed irregular and bursting firing patterns in PD.