Logo image
Parkinson's Disease in Humans and in Nonhuman Primate Aging and Neurotoxin Models
Book chapter

Parkinson's Disease in Humans and in Nonhuman Primate Aging and Neurotoxin Models

Jeanette M. Metzger, Corinne A. Jones and Marina E. Emborg
Conn's Handbook of Models for Human Aging, pp.617-639
Elsevier, Second edition
2018
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-811353-0.00046-4

View Online

Abstract

In the last decade, our understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD) has significantly changed. As such, PD modeling and testing in nonhuman primates (NHPs) is evolving too. In this chapter, we describe how PD is envisioned today and how to translate this perspective to our review of available aging and neurotoxin NHP models of PD. Typical motor and nonmotor features and neurodegenerative changes in humans with PD are described, as are prodromal symptoms that may identify a preclinical stage of the disease. As old age is the single largest risk factor for developing PD, the effect of aging on NHPs and their susceptibility to neurotoxic agents has been investigated in relationship to PD susceptibility. Studied in both Old World and New World monkeys, PD symptoms can be mimicked by the neurotoxins 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP). Depending on their method of administration, these neurotoxins produce PD models that differ in some of the symptoms, extent, and stability. MPTP models are the most frequently used to reproduce the typical levodopa-responsive parkinsonian motor syndrome associated with dopamine depletion in the nigrostriatal system. They have been widely used in evaluating PD therapies. Increased awareness regarding PD complexity has driven the reevaluation of these models, looking for clues on understanding nonmotor symptoms and mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Geriatrics & Gerontology Life Sciences & Biomedicine Medicine, Research & Experimental Research & Experimental Medicine Science & Technology

Details

Metrics

Logo image