In experimental settings, neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is used to replicate a PD-like syndrome by damaging SNpc dopaminergic neurons, mimicking the loss of these neurons.478 BAX is highly expressed in the SNpc and involved in degeneration of SNpc dopaminergic neurons in PD. This evidence concerns the gene BAX and Parkinson disease.