The most important scientific reason for the selection of non-human primates as experimental subjects is their close relationship to man in terms of central nervous system structure, behavior and physiology. Use of non-human primate models is a prerequisite before new therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration can be applied to patients. In most preclinical studies the species-of-choice has been the macaque monkey (usually cynomologus or rhesus).
However, there is an increasing trend to use the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) for pre-clinical programs. This small-sized non-human primate - which is sexually mature around 1.5 years of age – can be housed relatively easily within specialized primate facilities under conditions that afford welfare and enrichment. Marmoset monkeys have clear advantages over macaques in terms of animal welfare and practicality, e.g. training for behavioral tests.
As a service platform the Clinical Neurobiology Laboratory has established in marmoset monkeys models of Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and prenatal dexamethasone overexpression.