Parkinson's Disease Model

About

About The AS/AGU rat is a model of locomotor dysfunction with progressive disruption and degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system. The AS/AGU rat provides an exciting new model for the evaluation of new treatments for Parkinson’s disease. The AS/AGU rat is the only model in which degenerative events take place over a sufficiently long period of time to mimic human conditions and to allow the exploration of mechanisms of cell loss and the role of neuro-protectants and further evaluation of novel therapies It is characterised by wide gait, hind limb rigidity, whole body tremor, difficulties in initiating movement and a tendency to fall over when moving quickly. These animals display a Parkinsonian-like movement disorder which can be reversed by L-DOPA treatment.   Key Benefits The model shows analogy with human impairment since it is progressive and age related  Background research shows L-DOPA replacement can ameliorate movement disorders  The identity of the causal mutant gene is known and patented. This genetic knowledge will facilitate the molecular characterisation of the cellular site of the dysfunction.  It is the only model in which degenerative events take place over a sufficiently long period of time to mimic human conditions and to allow the exploration of mechanisms of cell loss and the role of neuro-protectants and novel therapies.  The rats breed very well.   Applications Excellent and reliable model for the pre-clinical trial and evaluation of potential new treatments for Parkinson’s disease.   IP Status This technology is available as an Easy Access licence deal to companies and individuals giving:Physical access to the rat model Non-exclusive access to the content of the patents on the model (now lapsed) Non-exclusive access to the background IP and know-how of the model Access to the inventors