Gene disruption of caspase-3 prevents MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease in mice

► A neurotoxin, MPTP, induces activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis in the substantia nigra in the early stage of the development of Parkinson's disease in mice. ▶ Gene disruption of caspase-3 blocks MPTP-induced apoptosis of dopamine neurons in mice. ▶ Caspase-3-deficient mice are protected from MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease. ▶ Activation of caspase-3 is required for apoptosis of dopamine neurons and progression of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP administration in mice.