MPTP-Induced Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease: Advantages, Limitations, and Breakthroughs

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized pathologically by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the formation of Lewy bodies, which are neuronal inclusions primarily composed of abnormally aggregated α-synuclein. To elucidate the pathogenesis of PD and explore therapeutic strategies, researchers have established various animal models. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) reliably triggers neuroimmune cascades in the animal brain that closely mirror the pathological hallmarks of PD and selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons. MPTP-based mouse models have become one of the most widely used PD animal models. This review systematically summarizes the in vivo metabolism of MPTP, common protocols for establishing MPTP-induced mouse models, their pathological features, and further discusses the trends and limitations of this model.