Nov. 16, 2005 (UPI) -- San Diego - University of California, San Diego scientists have produced transgenic mouse models of multiple system atrophy, a progressive, fatal neurological disorder.
Researchers say the mouse models are important, not only in providing insights into the processes that cause degeneration of the nervous system in patients with multiple system atrophy, but also as models to study treatments.
Patients with multiple system atrophy suffer from progressive, worsening symptoms of Parkinson's disease, impaired coordination, and dysfunction in control of blood pressure and bladder function.
Mice were genetically engineered by UCSD researchers to exhibit the symptoms -- including problems with movement and injury to nerve cells -- that are found in patients with multiple system atrophy.
The work was part of a multi-institutional effort coordinated by UCSD.
The findings were reported in the Nov. 16 2005 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience by Dr. Eliezer Masliah, professor of neuroscience and pathology at UCSD, and Dr. Cliff Shults, professor of neuroscience at UCSD and a neurologist with the VA San Diego Healthcare System.