Three cats were transferred from Podells experiment to protocol 99A0044, Basal Ganglia Degenerative Diseases.

The objective of this project is the development of a cat model for Parkinson's disease. In the 70's & 80's it was found that humans who had taken MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl1-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) developed Parkinson-like symptoms. Basically MPTP destroys brain neurons.

The cats will be given MPTP once daily for 7 days to produce Parkinson's disease. Over varying intervals the cats will be imaged by MRI and killed. Some will receive the current two standard treatments for the disease, L-DOPA or deprenyl. These animals will also be killed at some interval in the study.

This project is funded by NATIONAL INST OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE.
Project Start: 01-SEP-89
Project End: 30-JUN-04

UPDATE

January 2002 an additional six cats were approved for this study. These cats will not receive MPTP. Three drugs will be studied using two cats for each drug. At the end of the study the cats will be euthanized and the "brain prepared and analysis as described in the protocol." The new cats are apparently looking at depression. MRI/MRS scans will be used to "gain new information about the site of action of these compounds" (the three drugs) and if their distribution is altered in Parkinson's disease.

A Medline search did not find any data concerning his use of cats but there is an extensive list of publications concerning his parallel work using rats and mice. If you are not familiar with Medline click here for access.