The results of these studies demonstrate that loss of either Pink1
gene or DJ-1 gene produces a robust behavioral dysfunction and a
significant loss of SN DA neurons in rats. Motor impairments in
movement, strength and coordination precede nigral neuronal loss.
The neurodegeneration is rapid between 4 and 8 months of age
with about 50% decrease seen at 8 months of age. In both models,
the nigral neurodegeneration does not correlate with changes in
striatal TH or alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity; however, there is
a 2-3 fold increase in both DA and 5-HT striatal content at 8 months
of age in both rats models. Parkin KO rats were not different from WT
rats in any of the behavioral, neurochemical and pathological outcome
measures