Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “MPTP Poisoning”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

The VMAT2 gene in mice and humans: amphetamine responses, locomotion, cardiac arrhythmias, aging, and vulnerability to dopaminergic toxins.

Monoamine compartmentalization in monoaminergic neurons uses serial action of the plasma membrane and vesicular monoamine (VAMT2) transporters. We can now define the sequences of the genes encoding these transporters in mice and humans, examine influences of deletions of this gene and alteration in its expression levels in transgenic mice, and identify sequence polymorphisms in the human VMAT2 gene. Examination of VMAT2 variants can provide potential insights into roles for allelic variants at these loci in variant drug responses and in diseases linked to monoaminergic systems, including substance abuse and Parkinson's disease.

Aging↗

Mice deficient in TNF receptors are protected against dopaminergic neurotoxicity: implications for Parkinson's disease.

The pathogenic mechanisms underlying idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) remain enigmatic. Recent findings suggest that inflammatory processes are associated with several neurodegenerative disorders, including PD. Enhanced expression of the proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, has been found in association with glial cells in the substantia nigra of patients with PD. To determine the potential role for TNF-alpha in PD, we examined the effects of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a dopaminergic neurotoxin that mimics some of the key features associated with PD, using transgenic mice lacking TNF receptors. Administration of MPTP to wild-type (+/+) mice resulted in a time-dependent expression of TNF-alpha in striatum, which preceded the loss of dopaminergic markers and reactive gliosis. In contrast, transgenic mice carrying homozygous mutant alleles for both the TNF receptors (TNFR-DKO), but not the individual receptors, were completely protected against the dopaminergic neurotoxicity of MPTP. The data indicate that the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha is an obligatory component of dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Moreover, because TNF-alpha is synthesized predominantly by microglia and astrocytes, our findings implicate the participation of glial cells in MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. Similar mechanisms may underlie the etiopathogenesis of PD.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Neuroprotective effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease by blocking microglial activation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with no effective protective treatment, characterized by a massive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SNpc) and the subsequent loss of their projecting nerve fibers in the striatum. To elucidate PD pathogenic factors, and thus to develop therapeutic strategies, a murine PD model based on the administration of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) has been used extensively. It has been demonstrated that activated microglia cells actively participate in the pathogenesis of MPTP-induced PD through the release of cytotoxic factors. Because current treatments for PD are not effective, considerable research focused lately on a number of regulatory molecules termed microglia-deactivating factors. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a neuropeptide with a potent anti-inflammatory effect, has been found to be protective in several inflammatory disorders. This study investigates the putative protective effect of VIP in the MPTP model for PD. VIP treatment significantly decreases MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss in SNpc and nigrostriatal nerve-fiber loss. VIP prevents MPTP-induced activation of microglia in SNpc and striatum and the expression of the cytotoxic mediators, iNOS, interleukin 1beta, and numor necrosis factor alpha. VIP emerges as a potential valuable neuroprotective agent for the treatment of pathologic conditions in the central nervous system, such as PD, where inflammation-induced neurodegeneration occurs.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Glucocorticoid receptor deficiency increases vulnerability of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system: critical role of glial nitric oxide.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Emerging evidence indicates that an inflammatory process is involved in dopaminergic nigro-striatal neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease. We here report that the GR deficiency of transgenic (Tg) mice expressing GR antisense RNA from early embryonic life has a dramatic impact in "programming" the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). The GR deficiency of Tg mice exacerbates MPTP-induced toxicity to dopaminergic neurons, as revealed by both severe loss of tyrosine hydroxylase positive nigral neurons and sharp decreases in striatal levels of dopamine and its metabolites. In addition, the late increase in dopamine oxidative metabolism and ascorbic acid oxidative status in GR-deficient mice was far greater than in wild-type (Wt) mice. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was sharply increased in activated astrocytes, macrophages/microglia of GR-deficient as compared with Wt mice. Moreover, GR-deficient microglia produced three- to fourfold higher nitrite levels than Wt mice; these increases preceded the loss of dopaminergic function and were resistant to GR the inhibitory effect of GC, pointing to peroxynitrites as candidate neurotoxic effectors. The iNOS inhibitor N6-(1-iminoethyl)-L-lysine normalized vulnerability of Tg mice, thus establishing a novel link between genetic impairment of GR function and vulnerability to MPTP.

Animals↗

MPP+-induced COX-2 activation and subsequent dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

The importance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in mediating Parkinson's disease (PD) was suggested in reports, indicating that COX-2 selective inhibitors or genetic knockout reduce 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopaminergic (DA) neurotoxicity in a mouse model of PD. However, cell types and mechanisms underlying the activation of COX-2 have not been clearly elucidated in these animal studies. Using primary neuron-glia cultures, we aimed to determine 1) whether microglia participate in 1-methyl-4-phenylpryridinium (MPP)-induced COX-2 activation and 2) whether the activation of COX-2 contributes to subsequent neurotoxicity. MPP, in a concentration-dependent manner, increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in mixed neuron-microglia cultures but not in enriched neuron, microglia, or astroglia cultures nor in mixed neuron-astroglia cultures. MPP-induced PGE2 increase was completely abolished by treatment with DuP697, a COX-2 selective inhibitor. DuP697 also significantly reduced MPP-induced DA neurotoxicity as determined by DA uptake assay. Immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy studies showed enhanced COX-2 expression in both microglia and neurons after MPP treatment. However, neuronal increase in COX-2 expression was not totally dependent on the production of PGE2 from microglia, since microglia deficient in COX-2 only attenuated, but did not completely block, MPP-increased PGE2 production in mixed neuron-microglia cultures, suggesting that part of PGE2 production was originated from neurons. Together, these results indicate that MPP-induced COX-2 expression and subsequent PGE2 production depend on interactions between neurons and microglia. Microgliosis may also be responsible for the COX-2 activation in neurons, leading to the enhanced DA neurotoxicity, which, in turn, reinforces microgliosis. Thus inhibition of microgliosis and COX-2 activity may stop this vicious circle and be valuable strategies in PD therapy.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

A role for endocannabinoids in the generation of parkinsonism and levodopa-induced dyskinesia in MPTP-lesioned non-human primate models of Parkinson's disease.

Endocannabinoids and cannabinoid CB1 receptors play a role in the control of movement by modulating GABA, glutamate, and other neurotransmitters throughout the basal ganglia. Roles for abnormalities in endocannabinoid signaling in Parkinson's disease (PD) and the major side effect of current treatments, levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID), have been suggested by rodent studies. Here we show that signaling by endocannabinoids contributes to the pathophysiology of parkinsonism and LID in MPTP-lesioned, non-human primate models of Parkinson's disease. In MPTP-lesioned marmosets previously treated with levodopa to establish LID, attenuation of CB1 signaling by systemic administration of rimonabant (1 and 3 mg/kg) had anti-parkinsonian actions, equivalent to a 71% increase in motor activity at 3 mg/kg. Rimonabant did not elicit dyskinesia. Co-administration of levodopa (8 mg/kg) and rimonabant (1 and 3 mg/kg) resulted in significantly less dyskinesia than levodopa alone, without significantly affecting the anti-parkinsonian action of levodopa. These data suggest that enhanced endocannabinoid signaling may be involved in the pathophysiology of both parkinsonism and LID. To define potential mechanisms by which such a role might be mediated, we determined the levels of the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) throughout the basal ganglia in normal and three groups of MPTP-lesioned cynomolgus monkeys (untreated; acutely treated with L-DOPA, non-dyskinetic; long-term treated, with levodopa-induced dyskinesia). In the untreated, MPTP-lesioned primate, parkinsonism was associated with increases in both 2-AG (+88%) and anandamide (+49%) in the striatum, and of 2-AG (+97%) in the substantia nigra, changes that are consistent with the previously suggested role for endocannabinoids in mechanisms attempting to compensate for loss of dopamine in untreated parkinsonism. Increased levels of anandamide (+34%) in the external globus pallidus of MPTP-lesioned animals were normalized by levodopa treatment and may contribute to the generation of parkinsonian symptoms. However, no clear alteration in endocannabinoid levels could be correlated with the expression of LID. These data highlight the potential roles played by endocannabinoids and CB1 in PD and LID and suggest the need for further research to pursue the multiple therapeutic opportunities for manipulating this system in movement disorders.

Animals↗

Deficiency of TNF receptors suppresses microglial activation and alters the susceptibility of brain regions to MPTP-induced neurotoxicity: role of TNF-alpha.

Enhanced expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -alpha, is associated with the neuropathological effects underlying disease-, trauma- and chemically induced neurodegeneration. Previously, we have shown that deficiency of TNF receptors protects against MPTP-induced striatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity, findings suggestive of a role for TNF-alpha in neurodegeneration. Here, we demonstrate that deficiency of TNF receptors suppresses microglial activation and alters the susceptibility of brain regions to MPTP. MPTP-induced expression of microglia-derived factors, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-1alpha, preceded the degeneration of striatal dopaminergic nerve terminals and astrogliosis, as assessed by loss of striatal dopamine and TH, and an increase in striatal GFAP. Pharmacological neuroprotection with the dopamine reuptake inhibitor, nomifensine, abolished striatal dopaminergic neurotoxicity and associated microglial activation. Similarly, in mice lacking TNF receptors, microglial activation was suppressed, findings consistent with a role for TNF-alpha in striatal MPTP neurotoxicity. In the hippocampus, however, TNF receptor-deficient mice showed exacerbated neuronal damage after MPTP, as evidenced by Fluoro Jade-B staining (to identify degenerating neurons) and decreased microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2) immunoreactivity. These effects were not accompanied by microglial activation, but were associated with increased oxidative stress (nitrosylation of tyrosine residues). These findings suggest that TNF-alpha exerts a neurotrophic/neuroprotective effect in hippocampus. The marked differences we observed in the regional density, distribution and/or activity of microglia and microglia-derived factors may influence the region-specific role for this cell type. Taken together, our results are indicative of a region-specific and dual role for TNF-alpha in the brain: a promoter of neurodegeneration in striatum and a protector against neurodegeneration in hippocampus.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗

Alpha-synuclein induces hyperphosphorylation of Tau in the MPTP model of parkinsonism.

Many neurodegenerative diseases associated with functional Tau dysregulation, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tauopathies, also show alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) pathology, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. Here we show that treatment of primary mesencephalic neurons (48 h) or subchronic treatment of wild-type (WT) mice with the Parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxin MPP+/MPTP, results in selective dose-dependent hyperphosphorylation of Tau at Ser396/404 (PHF-1-reactive Tau, p-Tau), with no changes in pSer202 but with nonspecific increases in pSer262 levels. The presence of alpha-Syn was absolutely mandatory to observe MPP+/MPTP-induced increases in p-Tau levels, since no alterations in p-Tau were seen in transfected cells not expressing alpha-Syn or in alpha-Syn-/- mice. MPP+/MPTP also induced a significant accumulation of alpha-Syn in both mesencephalic neurons and in WT mice striatum. MPTP/MPP+ lead to differential alterations in p-Tau and alpha-Syn levels in a cytoskeleton-bound, vs. a soluble, cytoskeleton-free fraction, inducing their coimmunoprecipitation in the cytoskeleton-free fraction and neuronal soma. Subchronic MPTP exposure increased sarkosyl-insoluble p-Tau in striatum of WT but not alpha-Syn-/- mice. These studies describe a novel mechanism for MPTP neurotoxicity, namely a MPTP-inducible, strictly alpha-Syn-dependent, increased formation of PHF-1-reactive Tau, suggesting convergent overlapping pathways in the genesis of clinically divergent diseases such as AD and PD.

Animals↗

Vitamin E supplements fail to protect mice from acute MPTP neurotoxicity.

The effect of chronic treatment with vitamin E (VE) on acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity, as assessed by striatal dopamine (DA) depletion, was studied. Male C57B1/6J mice were fed VE (48 mg kg-1 per day, intragastric) for 4, 8, or 12 weeks prior to administration of MPTP (20 mg kg-1, i.p. x 3, 2 h intervals) or its diluent. Brain VE concentration was increased by exogenous supplements for 12 weeks. Striatal DA content was reduced by 85% to 90% after MPTP in control and VE-treated mice. Mice with elevated cerebral VE were not protected from MPTP toxicity, with DA content as an indicator. In conclusion, these findings indicate that moderate elevation of brain VE is not adequate for protecting DA-containing neurons against the toxic actions of a high dose of MPTP.

Animals↗

NMDA antagonists partially protect against MPTP induced neurotoxicity in mice.

Recent studies show that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists protect against neurotoxicity induced by local injections of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) in both the substantia nigra and the striatum. The present studies examined whether either systemic administration of the non-competitive NMDA antagonist MK-801 or the competitive NMDA antagonists CGP39551 and LY274614 would protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) dopaminergic toxicity in mice. Administration of MK-801, CGP39551 or LY274614 for 24 hours partially but significantly attenuated striatal dopamine (DA) depletions induced by MPTP at both 24 h and 1 week. These results support the hypothesis that MPTP neurotoxicity involves a secondary excitotoxic mechanism mediated by NMDA receptors. Such a mechanism may play a role in the etiology of Parkinson's disease.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

LIGA 20 increases striatal dopamine levels in aged MPTP-treated mice refractory to GM1 ganglioside treatment.

Administration of the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to aged (12 months) C57 black mice results in a striatal dopamine depletion that can be partially reversed only by long-term (i.e. 8 weeks) intraperitoneal administration of GM1 ganglioside. The present study shows that the semi-synthetic sphingolipid LIGA 20 (II3Neu5AcGgOse4-2-d-erythro-1,3-dihydroxy-2-dichloro-acetrylam ide-4- transoctadene) can partially reverse MPTP-induced striatal dopamine depletions in aged mice after being administered orally for only 4 weeks. GM1 ganglioside administered for 4 weeks had no effect on striatal dopamine levels. These results suggest that LIGA 20 is more potent than the parent GM1 ganglioside and may exert effects on the damaged nervous system under conditions in which GM1 is ineffective.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

Reduction of MPP(+)-induced hydroxyl radical formation and nigrostriatal MPTP toxicity by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase.

N-Methyl, 4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) produces experimental parkinsonism after oxidation to N-methylpyridinium ion (MPP+), accumulation in dopamine neurons and concentration in mitochondria. Inhibition by MPP+ of mitochondrial electron transport impairs respiratory function, but the molecular mechanisms of cell death are not clear. We tested the hypothesis that locally produced nitric oxide is a key component in MPTP toxicity by providing a necessary intermediate in the production of hydroxyl free radicals. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reduced MPP(+)-induced hydroxyl radical formation in striatum and MPTP toxicity to nigrostriatal dopamine terminals, but did not interfere with inhibition of complex-I activity. Nitric oxide appears to be necessary for hydroxyl free radical generation in MPP+ toxicity and may play a role in neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

Glutathione depletion potentiates MPTP and MPP+ toxicity in nigral dopaminergic neurones.

Glutathione levels are decreased in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease. We studied whether glutathione depletion contributes to dopaminergic cell death using a specific inhibitor of glutathione biosynthesis, L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). We found no significant reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) when BSO was administered systemically to preweanling mice or locally to the SNpc of adult rats. However, the combination of BSO with MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) in preweanling mice and the combination of nigral injections of BSO with intrastriatal injections of MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium), the active metabolite of MPTP in adult rats, potentiated the toxic effects of MPTP and MPP+ on nigral neurones. Our data show that glutathione depletion can result in cell death if the nigrostriatal system is metabolically compromised.

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium↗

Dopamine transporter mRNA levels are high in midbrain neurons vulnerable to MPTP.

The neurotoxin MPTP kills only certain midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons to produce a model of Parkinson's disease. The dopamine transporter (DAT) is important to MPTP toxicity because to be neurotoxic, an MPTP metabolite must first gain access to the DA neuron via the DAT. Also, MPTP is less toxic to DA neurons that contain the putative neuroprotective calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k (CB). The present study examined the relative importance of DAT activity and CB for cellular vulnerability to MPTP-induced degeneration in the C57BL/6 mouse. Cells that were vulnerable to MPTP were found to contain high levels of DAT mRNA, whereas cells that were not vulnerable contained low levels. Also, the few substantia nigra cells remaining after a toxic dose of MPTP contained only low levels of DAT mRNA. However, there was not a strong relationship between cellular resistance to MPTP toxicity and cells containing CB. These data provide in vivo evidence for a direct correlation between midbrain cellular vulnerability to MPTP toxicity and the activity of the DAT.

Animals↗

Transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative mutant interleukin-1beta converting enzyme show resistance to MPTP neurotoxicity.

Increasing evidence implicates apoptosis as a major mechanism of cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence has demonstrated that chronic administration of MPTP can lead to apoptotic cell death. In the present study we examined whether transgenic mice expressing a dominant negative inhibitor of interleukin-1beta convertase enzyme (ICE) are resistant to MPTP induced neurotoxicity. MPTP resulted in a significant depletion of dopamine, DOPAC and HVA in littermate control mice which were completely inhibited in the mutant interleukin-1beta converting enzyme mice. There was also significant protection against MPTP-induced depletion of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons. There was no alteration in MPTP uptake or metabolism. These results provide further evidence that apoptotic cell death as well as ICE may play an important role in the neurotoxicity of MPTP.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid↗

MPTP induces alpha-synuclein aggregation in the substantia nigra of baboons.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxicity reproduces many of the features of Parkinson's disease (PD). alpha-Synuclein has been identified as a prominent component of the Lewy body (LB), the pathological hallmark of PD. MPTP-treated primates have been reported to develop intraneuronal inclusions but not true Lewy bodies. We administered MPTP to baboons and used a monoclonal alpha-synuclein antibody to define the relationship between neuronal degeneration and alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra. MPTP-induced neuronal degeneration was associated with the redistribution of alpha-synuclein from its normal synaptic location to aggregates in degenerating neuronal cell bodies. alpha-Synuclein aggregation induced by MPTP models the early stages of Lewy body formation and may be a fundamental step in the evolution of neuronal degeneration in PD.

Animals↗

Ovarian steroids and raloxifene prevent MPTP-induced dopamine depletion in mice.

The activity of steroids was studied in 1-methyl-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) lesioned retired breeder C57BL/6 male mice as a model of Parkinson's disease. Steroids were injected daily for 5 days before MPTP (4 injections, 15 mg/kg i.p., at 2 h intervals) and hormonal treatment continued for 5 more days. Mice that received 17beta-estradiol or progesterone or raloxifene (a selective estrogen receptor modulator) and MPTP had striatal concentrations of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) similar to those in control animals, whereas mice that received MPTP alone or with 17alpha-estradiol (the isomer with weak estrogenic activity) had an extensive decrease of DA and its metabolites. These results suggest stereospecific prevention of MPTP-induced dopamine loss by 17beta-estradiol, which is also observed with progesterone and raloxifene.

Animals↗

Evidence for resistance to MPTP in C57BL/6 x BALB/c F1 hybrids as compared with their progenitor strains.

The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is capable of producing a syndrome in mice which shares major characteristics with human Parkinson's disease. There is evidence for a genetic influence on the degree of damage exerted by MPTP, since different strains of mice can dramatically differ in their response to MPTP. We produced reciprocal F1 hybrids by crossbreeding the MPTP-susceptible C57BL/6 strain with resistant BALB/c. These hybrids were compared to the parental strains using neural and behavioral measures in order to characterize the genetic transmission of MPTP-susceptibility. The F1 generation as a whole had a lower depletion of neostriatal dopamine levels than even found in BALB/c. Furthermore, there was no significant loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells in the substantia nigra and quick recovery from deficits in motor behavior in F1, herein resembling BALB/c. We suggest that several loci are involved in susceptibility to MPTP, and that the trait is under control of recessive susceptibility and/or dominant resistance alleles, which interact in F1, leading to extremely low susceptibility.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine↗