Animal Models and the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex and chronic brain disorder characterized by motor and non-motor deficits. In common with other human chronic diseases, a small percentage of PD patients have inherited forms of the disease due to mutations in certain genes, but the vast majority is idiopathic. This review analyzes the different animal models organized according to the investigators endeavor to determine the role of a specific pathogenic mechanism that may be involved in the PD neurodegenerative process: genetics, environmental stress response (toxins, inflammation, and virus), protein aggregation, development and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, a conceptual framework of chronic brain degenerative disorders centered on PD is presented and future research directions are suggested.