Neurons and mechanisms of neuronal death in neurodegenerative diseases: a brief review.

Background and purpose: Degenerative diseases of the central nervous system are a heterogenous group of slowly progressive disorders. A common feature of this group, which includes Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is gradual loss of specific populations of neurons.

Methods: A series of reports about neurodegenerative diseases and their relevant animal models, as well as a brief overview of the normal neuron and mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and death, is presented.

Conclusion: Study of the aforementioned animal models, spontaneously occurring and experimentally induced, have provided important insights into the pathogenesis of these disorders and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.