Long-term effect of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on striatal dopamine content in young and mature mice

J Neurol Sci. 1987 Feb;77(2-3):229-35. doi: 10.1016/0022-510x(87)90125-0.

Abstract

Long-term effects of MPTP on striatal dopamine (DA) content and the influence of aging on the recovery were investigated in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice, young (2-month-old) and mature (10-month-old), were used. Two different dosage schedules of MPTP, i.e., 4 doses subcutaneous injections of 20 mg/kg each, and 4 doses subcutaneous injections of 40 mg/kg each, were given to both young and mature mice at 12-h intervals. Assays of striatal DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) content were performed 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after the last injection of MPTP. MPTP produced a marked reduction (-75% to -80%) of striatal DA content in both young and mature mice 1 week after the last injection of MPTP. In young mice, the striatal DA content showed a partial recovery in the subsequent stages studied. In contrast, no apparent recovery occurred in mature mice until as long as 3 months after the last injection. The results suggest that mice have a capacity for partial recovery of the striatal DA contents which was depleted by MPTP, and this capacity for recovery appears to be impaired in mature mice.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / analysis
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Corpus Striatum / analysis*
  • Dopamine / analysis*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Pyridines / administration & dosage
  • Pyridines / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Pyridines
  • 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Dopamine