MPTP Mouse Model

Mice that receive acute, chronic or subchronic administration of the pyridine toxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) selectively lose significant numbers of dopaminergic neurons in two midbrain structures, the substantia nigra (SN) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Loss of dopamine cells in SN mimics the clinical condition in Parkinson’s disease, and leads to motor dysfunction. The dopaminergic loss in mouse VTA is of unknown relevance to Parkinson’s disease, but may contribute to the cognitive deficits of Parkinson’s disease, because of these neurons’ projections to the frontal cortex.

JSW MPTP mice are a suitable model to study motor deficits and the loss of dopaminergic neurons as well as possible influences of drugs on these parameters.

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