Teleost Model as an Alternative in Parkinson's Disease

In the experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD), a well-known neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine or MPTP, pesticides like benomyl, paraquat,etc. are successfully used to induce a Parkinson's disease in human and nonhuman primates, which can be reversed by the drugs such as L-DOPA. A review on the alternative methods and alternative models in Parkinson's disease is documented here to understand their advantages and importance. Earlier researchers proved MPTP is effective in the goldfish, which reliably mirrors the neurochemical and behavioral changes caused by MPTP in the higher vertebrates. Gold fish brain has the nucleus pars medialis, similar to the substanitia nigra of the human brain can be destructed by chemicals like MPTP, 6-hydroxydopamine and has selective protection by L-Dopa (Levodopa) and MAO-B (Monoamine oxidase B) inhibitors. In addition, zebrafish along with mice was successfully employed in the study of pesticides leading to neurodegeneration in PD. As the current animal models often couldn't replicate the true pathophysiology of idiopathic PD, alternative models have gained importance in the research. Upon having a glance at different models utilized in Parkinson's disease studies, one can get an idea on preferring alternative models, especially the zebra fish model in the study of neurodegenerative disorders.