The role of mitochondrial dysfunction on the development of parkinsonism in the ascidian Styela plicata

Chronic exposure to rotenone induces selective degeneration of negrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and reproduces features of Parkinsonism in experimental animals. This action may be related to the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, which has been related to the development of mitochondrial dysfunctions, such as decreased ATP production.