-          One method is multiple intravenous injection of MPTP at 0.2-0.5mg/kg，iv, once a day for 15-18 days until parkinsonian syndrome appeared.  

-          Another method is a two-stage lesion approach in which MPTP was administered via the carotid arteries. The first infusion through one artery produced a hemiparkinsonian state and was followed several months later by a second MPTP infusion into the contralateral carotid artery to induce bilateral parkinsonism (Smith et al. Neuroscience 1993; 52:7-16 ).

-          Animals receiving lesions were evaluated using a battery of tests which included a monkey parkinsonism rating scale, a movement time-task and continuous monitoring of home cage activity. All animals monitored showed significant decreases in activity levels of up to 95% following the second lesion. These decreased activity levels remained stable throughout the observation period of up to 12 months post-lesion.

-          In addition to the decreased home cage activity, bilaterally lesioned animals displayed bilateral parkinsonian features including akinesia, bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and balance and gait disturbances which were stable, following an acute period of up to 45 days, for the remainder of the study.

-          Treated animals display the cardinal features of parkinsonism and respond appropriately to the standard antiparkinsonian drug, levodopa.