Changes of Glucose in the Brains of Monkeys with MPTP Induced Parkins on’s Disease

Objecitve To examine the metabolic and behavioral changes of monkeys with MPTP induced Parkinson's disease. Methods Four healthy monkeys were injected with diluted MPTP solution continuously through peripheral veins. The behavioral changes of the monkeys were monitored with the Parkinson disease scale for monkeys.¹⁸FDG-PET-CT scans for the whole brain were obtained before and 3 months after the injection of MPTP. The pathological and glucose metabolic changes of the brains were examined. Results The animal model of Parkinson's disease was successfully established in all 4 monkeys, showing typical parkinsonian syndromes of bradykinesia, rigidity and hypokinesia. Changes in high nervous activities such as apathetic and less aggressive behaviors were also observed. Their scores of Parkinson disease scale exceeded 20. The parkinsonian syndromes were relieved after the administration of sinemet. The ¹⁸FDG-PET-CT scans showed significant glucose reduction after the MPTP injection within and outside of the basal ganglion area. Conclusion The metabolic changes of brains in the monkeys with Parkinson's disease are not limited to the basal ganglion area, which may be an important mechanism for the non-motor symptoms.