Strategies for neuronal recovery in experimental models of Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Animal experimental models have been fundamental for the progressof knowledge about the physiopathology of Parkinson’s disease, aswell as for the development of novel therapeutic approaches basedon processes which are intrinsic to its pathogenesis. Among the newtherapeutic strategies currently in experimentation, those based onneuronal recovery processes by neural stem cell and/or fetal neuralprogenitor cell transplantation stand out. Although preclinical trials havedemonstrated positive effects regarding the replacement of dopaminergicneurons, preservation of neuronal circuitry, and alleviation of some clinicalsymptoms, mainly the motor ones, fundamental issues still persistand must be addressed before cell therapy can be established as analternative in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to thereplacement of dopaminergic neurons, manipulation of the cellular nicheand recruitment of endogenous neuroprogenitors arise as alternativesto be explored. With regard to the safety of such procedures, long-termstudies using animal models are important and should be performed, inorder to detect occasional motor, cognitive, and behavioral disorders,as well as the possibility of tumor development.

Keywords

• Parkinson’s disease
• Stem cells
• Experimental models
• Cell therapy
• Neuronal recovery