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.