Establishment of hemiparkinsonism model of rhesus induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahy-dropyridine

Objective To establish the hemiparkinsonism model of rhesus monkey by unilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and evaluate the effectiveness and practicality.Methods Four healthy rhesus monkeys aged from 7 to 9 received MPTP injection through ICA by means of endovasctdar operation from the femoral artery.The dose of MPTP was 1.0-1.2 mg/kg,and the drug level was 0.2 mg/mL.Motor function scale was evaluated 2 weeks after surgery.Results All the rhesus monkeys developed PD successfully.The tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive neurons in the mesencephalon of the injection side were deformed and decreased,displaying significant difference with that in control side ( 20.3 ± 4.7 vs 66.3 ± 11.9,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion The rhesus monkey model of hemiparkinsonism could be induced by unilateral ICA infusion of MPTP and endovascular operation was safe and effective. Key words: Parkinson' s disease; Rhesus monkey; Endovascular operation