MPTP toxicity in the mouse brain and vitamin E.
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) caused transient alterations in vitamin E levels in every brain region examined. However, vitamin E returned to normal levels within a few hours in all brain regions but the substantia nigra, where at 2 days vitamin E levels first rose above normal levels. Vitamin E deficient mice were much more susceptible to MPTP toxicity than controls, in terms of lethality and DOPAC depletion in the substantia nigra. However, in the same vitamin E deficient mice, the striatum was partially protected from neurotransmitter and metabolite depletion by MPTP. The mechanism of toxicity of MPTP may differ in the striatum and the midbrain.
Odunze
I N
IN
School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033.
Klaidman
L K
LK
Adams
J D
JD
D000818:Animals; D001679:Biogenic Amines / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D020267:MPTP Poisoning; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000378:metabolism*
D001679:Biogenic Amines; D014810:Vitamin E