MPTP-based Inducible Models

Target dopaminergic cell loss in an inducible MPTP-based Parkinson’s Disease model

Cost estimate for your study
Home » Neurology Research Models and Services  » Parkinson’s models and services » Parkinson’s models – MPTP-based Inducible Models
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the motor systems in early stages, leading to symptoms such as trembling, slowing of movement, and muscle stiffness. The distinct disease mechanism can be modelled in different mouse models of PD.  

Degeneration of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra (SN) is the primary cause of the motor symptoms in PD. Administration of the MPTP, a pro-drug for the neurotoxin MPP+, selectively induces dopaminergic cell toxicity in the SN, representing one of the most widely used mouse PD models.

InnoSer offers unique services using several inducible in vivo PD models, including MPTP-based PD models. In-house validation experiments show that MPTP-induced PD models show loss of dopaminergic SN neurons, motor impairment, and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. As different MPTP dosing regimens lead to distinct neurodegenerative phenotypes; the choice of the model depends on your experimental compound’s hypothesized mechanism of action and research goals. 

 Take advantage of InnoSer’s expertise, flexibility and collaborative approach for your research. Our in-house neurology experts have long standing experience with modelling PD in vivo and are help guide your decision on choosing the best model fit for your current research goals. 

Discuss your model options

MPTP-based inducible model key features:

  • Acute and (sub)chronic varying dosing regimens possible, leading to distinct phenotypes.
  • Dopaminergic neuronal loss documented in the SN.
  • Motor impairments.
  • Neuroinflammation (e.g., NLRP3 inflammasome activation).
  • Suitable for testing anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective compounds.

Find the right model for you.

Compare our model capabilities and discover which of our neurology platforms suits your research needs

Neurology platform overview
Belgian based preclinical neurology CRO mouse models

Key readouts

Test the efficacy of your treatments in the following battery of behavioural tests:

  • Spontaneous Behavior (PhenoTyper) 
  • Neurological scoring 
  • Rotarod 
  • Balance beam  
  • CatWalk 
  • Grip strength 
  • Wire hanging 
  • Nest building
Behavioural tests catalogue
Test the efficacy of your treatments with the following biological readouts:

  • (Digital) histopathology 
  • Immunohistochemistry (dopamine neurons, neuroinflammation) 
  • Immunofluorescence and FISH

MPTP administration induces Parkinson’s disease-like phenotype which can be rescued following a treatment with a neuroprotectant

The activity of mice was tracked in their automated home-cage (PhenoTyper ™) before and after acute MPTP administration. Mice display a variety of spontaneous behaviours in our automated home-cages (PhenoTyper), which are tracked at high resolution with video cameras and do not require human intervention.  

MPTP administration leads to NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the substantia nigra (SN), as detected by fluorescence immunohistochemistry (IHC)

Related Parkinson’s Disease model options

6-OHDA

InnoSer has extensive experience with the administration of neurotoxic compounds such as 6-OHDA to induce PD phenotypes in vivo.
More Information

Transgenic Alpha-Synuclein Models

InnoSer offers fee-for-service transgenic α-syn mouse models.
More Information

Seeding Alpha-Synuclein Models

InnoSer has extensive experience with α-syn seeding using both PD patient-derived brain extracts and recombinant seeds.
More Information

AAALAC Accreditation

InnoSer has earned the AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible animal care and use. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our accreditation is valid for three years, incl. 2023. Read more about the AAALAC accreditation programme here.

AAALAC logo

Animal Welfare

The 3Rs impact everything from policy and regulatory change to the development and uptake of new technologies and approaches. This is why Innoser has ongoing commitment and monitoring of these processes. The steps we practice maximize our ability to replace, reduce and refine animal involvement and facilitate our commitment to these principles when it comes to research and drug development.

Our 3R's commitment

Need more information?

If you have any questions about how we can help accelerate your research,

then let us know

Start a Project