Neuropharmacological manipulations with MPTP.

Studies have been carried out in the rodent and marmoset to assess (i) the selectivity of MPTP action to the nigrostriatal system, (ii) the possibility that melanin pigmentation may influence the actions of MPTP, (iii) whether the metabolites of MPTP may contribute to its actions on dopamine cells, (iv) the site(s) of action of MPTP in the brain, (v) the mechanism(s) of action of MPTP and whether it is possible to prevent the damaging effects of MPTP/metabolites on the brain dopamine systems. The peripheral administration of MPTP in the mouse causes depletions of dopamine and its metabolites in both the striatal and limbic systems: this action is similar in both white and pigmented mice. The MAO-B inhibitor deprenyl was shown to antagonize the actions of MPTP, and its metabolite formed via oxidation through MAO, MPP+, was shown to disrupt striatal dopamine function as determined behaviorally (as motor impairment) or biochemically (as loss of dopamine and its metabolites) when injected into the cerebral ventricles of mouse or infused into the substantia nigra of rat brain. MPTP and MPP+ act in the midbrain to interfere with dopamine cell functioning, and studies in both the rodent and marmoset are presently analyzing possible additional actions in forebrain regions. It is therefore proposed that the neurotoxic action of MPTP, effected via its metabolite MPP+, may not be selective for the nigrostriatal system. Nevertheless, the nature and profile of neurotoxicity effected by MPTP and, in particular, MPP+ should ensure continuing analyses of the relevance of such action to an understanding of the etiology of, treatment of, and even the possible prevention of Parkinson's disease in man.