Taurine fails to protect against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine-induced striatal dopamine depletion in mice

Taurine, a known antioxidant and neuroprotector has been investigated for its free radical scavenging action in vitro in isolated mitochondria, and tested whether it protects against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration in mice. Taurine (0.1-10 mM) did not affect 1-methyl-4-phenyl pyridinium-induced hydroxyl radical production in isolated mitochondria. Systemic administration of taurine (250 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a small, but significant loss of dopamine levels in the striatum of mice. Taurine failed to reverse MPTP-induced striatal dopamine depletion, but caused significant increase in dopamine turnover in these animals. In the light of the present study it may be suggested that consumption of taurine may neither help in scavenging of neurotoxic hydroxyl radicals in the brain mitochondria, nor would it help in blocking the process of neurodegeneration.