Innovative care protocol successfully rehabilitates non-human primates after MPTP-induced parkinsonism: Preliminary evidence from a restricted cohort of African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus)

Tamar Ravins Yaish, Noa Eshkol Noy, Rony Kalman, Jing Guang, Halen Baker Erdman, Orilia Ben-Yishay Nizri, Shimon Firman, Xiaowei Liu, Marc Deffains, Uri Werner-Reiss, Galith Abourbeh, Zvi Israel, Hagai Bergman, Lily Iskhakova

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The MPTP-animal model of Parkinson’s disease has significantly advanced our understanding of Parkinson’s disease and the dopaminergic system, helping to establish disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic targets. The non-human primate (NHP) MPTP model is particularly valuable for replicating core Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms, anatomical changes and electrophysiological variations seen in humans. However, MPTP-injection protocols often cause substantial suffering, leading to euthanasia. While some post-MPTP primates recovered spontaneously, purposefully induced recovery was considered unattainable. Our team developed a novel intensive care protocol (NICP) promoting complete recovery from MPTP-induced severe parkinsonism in NHPs. NICP provides therapeutic, nutritional and social support, enabling behavioral recovery and subsequent retirement to a primate sanctuary. This innovation enhances animal welfare and opens new prospects for veterinary care, emphasizing the need to explore recovery mechanisms for other chronic conditions induced for research.

Original languageEnglish
JournalLaboratory Animals
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2025

Keywords

  • Alternatives
  • animal use
  • disease model
  • ethics and welfare
  • organisms and models
  • primate
  • refinement

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • General Veterinary

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Innovative care protocol successfully rehabilitates non-human primates after MPTP-induced parkinsonism: Preliminary evidence from a restricted cohort of African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this