MPTP (1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is a neurotoxic agent that is a precusor of MPP+ which is toxic to dopaminergic neurons and causes Parkinsonism. It is commonly used in research to induce Parkinson′s disease models in primates. The MPTP neurotoxicity in humans is irreversible and the consequential clinical and neurochemical features closely resemble those of the idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.[1]
In vivo analysis demonstrated that systemic MPTP treatments could lead to parkinsonian. Animals developed moderate-to-severe parkinsonian signs, including a marked loss of spontaneous movements (akinesia), muscular rigidity, and severe postural instability.[2] Most of the MPTP and metabolites were excreted in the urine within the first hour after treatment. MPTP metabolite found in the urine during the first hour after treatment is MPTP N-oxide. However, MPTP N-oxide and MPP+ may cause DA depletion only if injected directly into the neostriatum.[1]
References:
[1]. Lau YS, et al. MPTP treatment in mice does not transmit and cause Parkinsonian neurotoxicity in non-treated cagemates through close contact. Neurosci Res. 2005 Aug;52(4):371-8.
[2].Bergman H, et al. Physiology of MPTP tremor. Mov Disord. 1998;13 Suppl 3:29-34.
MPTP（1-甲基-4-苯基-1,2,3,6-四氢吡啶）是一种神经毒性物质，它是MPP+的前体，对多巴胺能神经元有毒，并导致帕金森病。在研究中常用于诱导灵长类动物的帕金森病模型。人类中的MPTP神经毒性是不可逆转的，其临床和神经化学特征与特发性帕金森病非常相似。
实验表明，全身性的MPTP处理会导致帕金森病。动物出现了中度到严重的帕金森症状，包括自发运动（静止）、肌肉僵硬和严重的姿势不稳定。大部分MPTP及其代谢产物在治疗后第一小时内通过尿液排出体外。在治疗后第一小时内尿液中发现的MPTP代谢产物是MPTP N-氧化物。然而，只有将MPTP N-氧化物和MPP+直接注入新纹状体才可能导致多巴胺耗竭。[1]