MPTP: a pharmacological tool to study parkinsonism.
MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is reported to selectively degenerate dopaminergic cells of the zona compacta of the substantia nigra and produce Parkinson's-like symptoms in man and animals. Although the exact mechanism of its neurotoxicity is not well defined, a major metabolite MPP+ may be responsible for the ultimate neuron toxicity. Several classes of drugs useful in Parkinson's disease are effective in reversing MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. Future pharmacological studies on the compound may unlock some of the mysteries of the age old disease, parkinsonism.
D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D010302:Parkinson Disease, Secondary / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects
D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine