Purpose: Prefrontal cortex (PFC) deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been proposed as a therapy for addiction and depression. This study investigates changes in rat cerebral glucose metabolism induced by different DBS frequencies using μPET.
Procedures: One hour DBS of the prelimbic area (PL) of the medial PFC (mPFC) (60 Hz, 130 Hz or sham) in rats (n = 9) was followed by 2-deoxy-2-[(18) F] fluoro-D-glucose ([(18) F]FDG) μPET.
Results: Sixty Hz DBS elicited significant hypermetabolism in the ipsilateral PL ([(18) F]FDG uptake +5.2 ± 2.3 %, p < 0.05). At 130 Hz, hypometabolism was induced in the ipsilateral PL (-2.5 ± 2.6 %, non-significant). Statistical parametric mapping revealed hypo and hypermetabolism clusters for both 60 and 130 Hz versus sham and show a certain state of alertness (increased activity in sensory and motor-related regions) mainly for 60 Hz.
Conclusions: This study suggests the potential of 60 Hz PL mPFC DBS for the treatment of disorders associated with prefrontal hypofunction.