Table 1.
Table of Rat Models of PD.
| Rat model | Nigral neuron loss | Alpha synuclein pathology* | Motor features | Non-motor features | Pre- clinical relevance | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neurotoxin models | ||||||
| 6-OHDA | Yes (Acute) | None reported | Yes | Cognitive impairments; DI disorder | Neurodegeneration | Reviewed in 24 |
| Rotenone | Yes | Yes | Yes (age and dose dependent) | GI disorder | Neurodegeneration; alpha synuclein clearance | Reviewed in 24 |
| Genetic Models | ||||||
| PINK1 KO rats | Yes (progressive ~50% neuron loss) | Yes (endogenous) | Present- 4 mo. | Impairments in vocalization and approach behavior | Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction; Therapies that clear or reduce alpha synuclein inclusions | 31, 39, 40, 49, 50 |
| DJ-1 KO rats | Yes (progressive ~50% neuron loss) | None reported | Present- 4 mo. | None reported | Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction | 31, 50, 51 |
| Parkin KO rats | None observed | None reported | None observed | None reported | Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction | 31, 50 |
| LRKK2-G2019S | None observed | None reported | Rotarod defect- 3 mo. | Impaired spatial learning and memory | LRRK2 Biomarkers; LRRK2 kinase inhibitors | 86 |
| LRKK2-R1441C | None observed | None reported | Rotarod defect- 18–21 mo. | Impaired spatial learning and memory | LRRK2 Biomarkers; LRRK2 kinase inhibitors | 86 |
| LRKK2 KO rat | None observed | None reported | None observed | None reported | LRRK2 and alpha synuclein pathological relationship | 83, 84 |
| Synuclein E46K | None observed | Yes (12 months) | None observed | None reported | Therapies that clear or reduce alpha synuclein inclusions | 71 |
| Other models | ||||||
| AAV-α-synuclein | Yes | Yes (All AAV-overexpressing models) | cylinder test deficits and forelimb use deficits | None reported | Therapies that clear or reduce alpha synuclein inclusions | Reviewed in 22 |
| Lentiviral-α– synuclein | Yes | Yes | None reported | None reported | Therapies that clear or reduce alpha synuclein inclusions | 90 |
| α–Synuclein pre-formed fibrils | Yes (progressive 2–6 months post injection) | Yes (4 weeks post injection) | None observed | Impaired ultrasonic vocalizations | Therapies that clear or reduce alpha synuclein inclusions | 22, 124, 125 |
*
Synuclein-immunoreactive aggregates but no Lewy bodies have been reported in rat models of PD.