Dopaminergic neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in the mouse: An in vivo electrochemical study

G. Gerhardt, G. Rose, I. Stromberg, G. Conboy, L. Olson, G. Jonsson, B. Hoffer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

The long-term (i.e., 4-5 months) effects of large doses (3 x 50 mg/kg) of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on striatal dopamine-containing afferents were studied in the NMRI strain of mice. Recently improved in vivo electrochemical methods were first used to examine the magnitude, spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of monoamine release initiated via local application of potassium in various regions of the mouse striatum. Immunohistochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase and computer-based image analysis were also used to quantitate regional catecholamine-containing nerve fiber densities in the caudate nucleus. The in vivo electrochemical studies showed a statistically significant decrease in the average potassium-evoked release of electroactive species from the MPTP-treated mouse caudate nucleus vs. control. Greater decreases in release were seen in dorsal than in ventral striatum (55% vs. 33%). The average rise time of potassium-evoked release was also significantly prolonged (> 50%) after MPTP pretreatment. Histochemical studies showed an overall reduction in the density of dopamine-containing terminals in the drug-treated mice, with a greater loss observed in the more dorsal regions of the caudate nucleus. The experimental data thus support a long-term selective destruction of dorsal vs. ventral dopamine-containing afferents to the striatum by the neurotoxin MPTP in mice.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)259-265
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Volume235
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dopaminergic neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in the mouse: An in vivo electrochemical study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this