1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) is toxic to mesencephalic dopamine neurons in culture.
1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+) is the product of oxidative metabolism by monoamine oxidase of the Parkinson-inducing agent 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPP+ was tested for neurotoxicity on the dopaminergic neurons of embryonic rat midbrain in culture. Compared with MPTP, MPP+ was a more potent neurotoxin for the cultured dopamine (DA) neurons as determined by decrease in [3H]DA uptake by the cultures and decrease in endogenous levels of DA and homovanillic acid. Catecholamine histofluorescence demonstrated the loss of fluorescing fibers after exposure to MPP+. The reduced analogue of MPTP, namely 1-methyl-4-phenylpiperidine, had no significant neurotoxic action on the dopaminergic neurons in culture.
D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; D000818:Animals; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D006719:Homovanillic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D008636:Mesencephalon / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011725:Pyridines / Q000633:toxicity; D011726:Pyridinium Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D051381:Rats
D011725:Pyridines; D011726:Pyridinium Compounds; C026560:1-(4-methoxyphenyl)pyridinium; D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; D004298:Dopamine; D006719:Homovanillic Acid