MPTP: a pharmacological tool to study parkinsonism.

Abstract

MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is reported to selectively degenerate dopaminergic cells of the zona compacta of the substantia nigra and produce Parkinson's-like symptoms in man and animals. Although the exact mechanism of its neurotoxicity is not well defined, a major metabolite MPP+ may be responsible for the ultimate neuron toxicity. Several classes of drugs useful in Parkinson's disease are effective in reversing MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. Future pharmacological studies on the compound may unlock some of the mysteries of the age old disease, parkinsonism.

• Authors: S K Kulkarni, A K Mehta, K O Aley, V K Shukla
• Journal: Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology (Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol) Vol. 8 Issue 8 Pg. 485-9 (Aug 1986) ISSN: 0379-0355 [Print] SPAIN
• PMID: 3489146 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Pyridines
• Receptors, Dopamine
• 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine

Topics

• 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
• Animals
• Humans
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Parkinson Disease, Secondary (chemically induced)
• Pyridines (metabolism, pharmacology)
• Receptors, Dopamine (drug effects)