MPTP and MPTP analogs induced cell death in cultured rat hepatocytes involving the formation of pyridinium metabolites (original) (raw)

This research investigates the toxic effects of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) and its analogs on cultured rat hepatocytes, focusing on the mechanistic role of pyridinium metabolite formation. Findings indicate that MPTP induces cell death via mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by ATP and glutathione depletion, with various analogs exhibiting differing toxicity levels. Notably, deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor, mitigates the toxicity of MPTP but not its metabolite MPP+.