Protocol for the intracerebral injection of AAV-α-synuclein plus poly(ADP-ribose) to generate a Parkinson’s disease monkey model

The lack of an etiologic Parkinson’s disease (PD) model in non-human primates has inhibited our understanding of the disease and the development of therapies. Here, we present a protocol for generating a PD model in Macaca fascicularis . We describe steps for localizing the substantia nigra and striatum using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We then detail a technique for the intracerebral administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of α-synuclein into the substantia nigra plus the injection of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) into the striatum. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Liu et al. 1 • Steps for the injection of AAV-α-syn into the substantia nigra • Instructions for the injection of poly(ADP-ribose) into the striatum • Guidance on the location of brain nuclei by MRI image • Procedures for brain mapping surgery in monkeys Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. The lack of an etiologic Parkinson’s disease (PD) model in non-human primates has inhibited our understanding of the disease and the development of therapies. Here, we present a protocol for generating a PD model in Macaca fascicularis . We describe steps for localizing the substantia nigra and striatum using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We then detail a technique for the intracerebral administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated overexpression of α-synuclein into the substantia nigra plus the injection of poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) into the striatum.