The MPTP/probenecid model of progressive Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons and a chronic loss of motor functions. The investigation of progressive degenerative mechanisms and possible neuroprotective approaches for PD depends upon the development of an experimental animal model that reproduces the neuropathology observed in humans. This chapter describes the generation of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTPp) chronic mouse model of PD. This model displays key features of PD, including impairment of motor and olfactory functions associated with partial loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons and DA levels in the brain. The MPTPp mouse model provides an important tool for the study of mechanisms contributing to the pathological dysfunction of PD at the cellular and whole animal level.