Pargyline prevents MPTP-induced parkinsonism in primates

Science. 1984 Sep 28;225(4669):1480-2. doi: 10.1126/science.6332378.

Abstract

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a neurotoxin which produces permanent parkinsonism in human and nonhuman primates. Treatment of squirrel monkeys with pargyline, a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, prevents both clinical and neuropathological evidence of the neurotoxic effects of MPTP. Pargyline also inhibits conversion of MPTP to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), a metabolic step that occurs rapidly after administration of MPTP in animals not treated with pargyline. It is proposed that the conversion of MPTP to MPP+, possibly involving MAO, may be important for the neurotoxic effects of MPTP to take place, and MPTP itself may not be the neurotoxic agent.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Male
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Pargyline / pharmacology*
  • Pargyline / therapeutic use
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / prevention & control
  • Pyridines / analysis
  • Pyridines / metabolism
  • Pyridines / toxicity*
  • Pyridinium Compounds / analysis
  • Pyridinium Compounds / metabolism
  • Saimiri
  • Substantia Nigra / pathology

Substances

  • Pyridines
  • Pyridinium Compounds
  • 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridinium
  • Pargyline
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine