Alin Stelian CIOBÎCĂ, Elena-Alina MUSCALU
ABSTRACT :
The etiopathogenic and phenotypic heterogeneity of Parkinson’s disease limits the relevance of experimental models characterized by a limited number of functional or biological parameters. In this context, Danio rerio offers methodological premises favorable to the development of multidimensional and longitudinal investigation strategies, by correlating the neuropsychobehavioral phenotype with biochemical, neurochemical, molecular, protein and tissue changes. The article analyses the perspectives on the phased organization of experimental design, the use of an integral battery of eight behavioural paradigms, the characterization of redox homeostasis and dopaminergic function, as well as the evaluation of gene expression, protein abundance, and neuronal integrity. Toxico-genetic models, humanized approaches and the criteria necessary to differentiate neuroprotective effects from exclusively symptomatic changes are discussed. The convergent integration of these levels can improve the biological specificity, reproducibility and translational relevance of the dopaminergic degeneration models developed in zebrafish.