Mechanism of the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), the toxic bioactivation product of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

Singer, Thomas P.; Ramsay, Rona R.; McKeown, K.; Trevor, A.; Castagnoli, N.E.

doi:10.1016/0300-483x(88)90169-2

Mechanism of the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), the toxic bioactivation product of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

It is widely believed that the nigrostriatal toxicity of MPTP is due to its oxidation by brain monoamine oxidase first to MPDP+, and eventually to MPP+. Following uptake by the synaptic dopamine reuptake system, it is concentrated in the matrix of striatal mitochondria by an energy-dependent carr…