How mice are helping detect early signs of Parkinson's
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that behaviours such as rearing, walking, and hunching in mice are linked to Parkinson's and the loss of specific midbrain dopamine neurons.
The study revealed that reductions in rearing and hunching correlate directly with the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), a midbrain region.
An advanced artificial intelligence behaviour analysis system was employed to meticulously examine the movements of mouse models with dopamine neuron depletion.
These findings underscore the potential for monitoring such subtle behaviours as early markers to track Parkinson's progression and improve treatment strategies.
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