Description:Internationally recognized biomedical investigators describe in detail the major techniques employed in molecular and cellular studies of Parkinson's disease and basal ganglia function. Widely varied methods are covered, including genetic analyses, molecular pathogenetic investigations of dopaminergic neuronal degeneration, biochemical studies of nigro-striatal neural circuitry, and molecular therapies, such as gene therapy and neural stem cells. Comprehensive and timely, Parkinson's Disease: Methods and Protocols offers scientists and clinicians interested in Parkinson's and related neurodegenerative disorders the major cutting-edge methods-in a readily reproducible format-needed to effectively exploit the potential of cell and molecular biology for elucidating disease mechanisms and for speeding the emergence of novel and more effective therapeutics.