Background: Non-human primate Parkinson's disease (PD) models are essential for PD research. The most extensively used PD monkey models are induced with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). However, the modeling processes of developing PD monkeys cannot be quantitatively controlled with MPTP. Therefore, a new approach to quantitatively develop chronic PD monkey models will help to advance the goals of "reduction, replacement and refinement" in animal experiments.

New method: A novel chronic PD monkey models was reported using the intracerebroventricular administration of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

Results: This approach successfully produced stable and consistent PD monkeys with typical motor symptoms and pathological changes. More importantly, a sigmoidal relationship (Y = 8.15801e(-0.245/x); R = 0.73) was discovered between PD score (Y) and cumulative dose of MPP+ (X). This relationship was then used to develop two additional PD monkeys under a specific time schedule (4 weeks), with planned PD scores (7) by controlling the dose and frequency of the MPP+ administration as an independent validation of the formula.