Cell models have been extensively used in drug screening and to study the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. Under various stimuli, cells can prime a series of physiological processes, such as transcription, switching of ion channels, proliferation, cytotoxicity, protein expression and secretion, and altered enzymatic activity. These processes provide a target for detection. Using large-scale in vitro cell cultures, we can obtain results regarding specific receptors, ion channels or the activity of intracellular target substances. The SH-SY5Y, PC12, HEK293 cell lines, as well as cells with certain gene deletions are commonly utilized as cell models of neurodegenerative disease.  
The following articles used PC12 cells to establish models of Parkin-son’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers analyzed the action mechanism of proteasome inhibitors, 1-methyl-4- phenylpyridinium ion and MCI-186, in different neurodegenerative diseases and provided evidence for further investigation of disease pathology.

? 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion induces endoplasmic reticulum stress through glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta activation in PC12 cells
Neural Regen Res. 2011;6(11):805-810.

? Oxidative modification of the molecular chaperone family in a PC12 cell model of Parkinson’s disease induced by Z-Ile-Glu(OtBu)-Ala- Leucinal
Neural Regen Res. 2011;6(2):85-90. 

   Protective effects of MCI-186 on oxidative damage in a cell model of Alzheimer’s disease
Neural Regen Res. 2010;5(16):1226-1230.