Chapter 10 - The nervous system of the non-human primate

Abstract

From a neuropathology standpoint, the close phylogenetic relationship between cynomolgus monkeys and humans makes them a highly useful animal model for preclinical studies. This is especially true for studies with a neuroscience focus and/or those using large molecule studies (biologics) because cynomolgus monkeys and humans share similar biochemical responses, pharmacological distribution and behavior of the target proteins, and comparable absorption, metabolic, pharmacokinetic, and distribution profiles for some chemicals. In addition, the brains and spinal cords of non-human primates (NHP) such as cynomolgus monkeys have multiple structural, functional, and molecular similarities with humans. Therefore, in general, NHP species are good models to study human neurodegenerative diseases and neurological injury. This chapter focuses on evaluation of the nervous system of cynomolgus macaques and other NHPs commonly used in toxicology studies. Sections include a general overview of the nervous system with discussion of embryology and sampling. Disease states are covered, including congenital, spontaneous, aging, and neoplastic diseases. Infectious diseases are covered in the chapter dedicated to such conditions and only briefly mentioned here. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of common xenobiotic-related effects seen in nervous system tissues.