Abstract

ANIMAL MODELS FOR PARKINSON DISEASE: OVERVIEW OF NEUROPROTECTION STUDIES

Tanvi Pingale* and Kedar Prabhavalkar

ABSTRACT

Parkinson’s disease PD is the common neurodegenerative disorders of an aging population and some part of its etiology is still unknown. Since, past four decades Animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been widely used to investigate the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PD. These animal models have offered the inside knowledge of Parkinson’s disease process, its pathology, etiology and mechanism at molecular level. Thus herein we review the important aspects of both classic as well as newer animal models. Experiments in cells and animals have provided evidence for certain aspects of the hypothesis, but until now, scientists haven’t been able to observe the entire sequence of event. Thus, a given model should be used systematically to investigate every question. Understanding the strengths and limitations of these models can significantly impact the choice of model, experimental design, and data interpretation. The model should be selected carefully on the basis of the question being asked. The objective of this article is: to assist new researchers who are willing to participate in PD research to navigate through available and newer animal models.

Keywords: Lewy bodies, Dopamine, Synphilin, Hydroxydopamine, Haloperidol, Reserpine, etc.