2003 Research Fellow

Ramin Amirnovin, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

The Interactions of the Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) and the Globus Pallidus
Interna (Gpi) in Movement Control

Although the standard basal ganglia (BG) model can explain the derangements in Parkinson's disease (PD), questions remain about interactions of the direct and indirect pathways in the Gpi. In one model, the direct and indirect paths are directly antagonistic. Another model suggests that the paths interact in a center-surround fashion. To test these theories, we make multiple-electrode recordings from the Gpi to determine if its neurons are functionally connected. We also make simultaneous, multiple-electrode recordings from the Gpi and STN to elucidate their dynamic relationship. By comparing our results to recordings made from PD patients, we will better understand PD.

Click here to view  Final Report  (PDF 14KB)

About Ramin Amirnovin

Dr. Amirnovin was born in Tehran, Iran and migrated to the U.S. at the age oftwelve. He spent his childhood in San Diego, where he later graduated (Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa) from UCSD (Revelle) as a Chemistry and Biochemistry major. He continued his education in New York City, where he obtained a MD (AOA and Lucein Rubinstein Award) from NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Amirnovin is currently a resident in Neurosurgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital. His interests are broad and include functional/restorative neurosurgery, brain tumor angiogenesis, computer modeling of nature, and complex spine dynamics