title: Neurotoxicity studies with the monoamine oxidase B substrate 1-methyl-3-phenyl-3-pyrroline.
abstract: The neurotoxic properties of the parkinsonian inducing agent 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) are dependent on its metabolic activation in a reaction catalyzed by centrally located monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). This reaction ultimately leads to the permanently charged 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium species MPP(+), a 4-electron oxidation product of MPTP and a potent mitochondrial toxin. The corresponding 5-membered analogue, 1-methyl-3-phenyl-3-pyrroline, is also a selective MAO-B substrate. Unlike MPTP, the MAO-B-catalyzed oxidation of 1-methyl-3-phenyl-3-pyrroline is a 2-electron process that leads to the neutral 1-methyl-3-phenylpyrrole. MPP(+) is thought to exert its toxic effects only after accumulating in the mitochondria, a process driven by the transmembrane electrochemical gradient. Since this energy-dependent accumulation of MPP(+) relies upon its permanent charge, 1-methyl-3-phenyl-3-pyrrolines and their pyrrolyl oxidation products should not be neurotoxic. We have tested this hypothesis by examining the neurotoxic potential of 1-methyl-3-phenyl-3-pyrroline and 1-methyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-pyrroline in the C57BL/6 mouse model. These pyrrolines did not deplete striatal dopamine while analogous treatment with MPTP resulted in 65-73% depletion. Kinetic studies revealed that both 1-methyl-3-phenyl-3-pyrroline and its pyrrolyl oxidation product were present in the brain in relatively high concentrations. Unlike MPP(+), however, 1-methyl-3-phenylpyrrole was cleared from the brain quickly. These results suggest that the brain MAO-B-catalyzed oxidation of xenobiotic amines is not, in itself, sufficient to account for the neurodegenerative properties of a compound like MPTP. The rapid clearance of 1-methyl-3-phenylpyrroles from the brain may contribute to their lack of neurotoxicity.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
authors.forename: Modupe O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Ogunrombi
authors.forename: Sarel F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Malan
authors.forename: Gisella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Terre'Blanche
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Castagnoli
authors.forename: Neal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Castagnoli
authors.forename: Jacobus J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Bergh
authors.forename: Jacobus P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Petzer
mesh_terms: D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001711:Biotransformation; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D020267:MPTP Poisoning / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D017072:Neostriatum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D010215:Papio
chemical_list: D015259:Dopamine Agents; D015632:1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase; D004298:Dopamine