Pargyline prevents MPTP-induced parkinsonism in primates - PubMed (original) (raw)

Pargyline prevents MPTP-induced parkinsonism in primates

J W Langston et al. Science. 1984.

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.

PubMed Disclaimer

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

LinkOut - more resources