Using the acute MPTP mouse model, characterized by a robust gliosis in the SNpc with significant up-regulation of inducible NOS and activation of microglia[48], we demonstrated that Hsp60 mRNA expression is up-regulated in the mesencephalon and the striatum after MPTP intoxication, suggesting that Hsp60 had the potential to operate as an endogenous activator of microglia in animal models of PD. The gene discussed is NOS2; the disease is Parkinson disease.