MPTP = 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine
Oxidation of MPTP by monoamine oxidase (MAO) generates MPP+ that is the actual neurotoxin.
Related compounds:
(1) MPP+ = 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridium
(2) MPPP = 1-methyl-4-phenyl-4-propionoxy-piperidine
(3) 2'CH3-MPTP = 1-methyl-4-(2'-methylphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
Clinical features developed after injection of contaminated drug:
(1) immobility
(2) mutism
The onset may be just a few hours after the exposure.
Patients show an initial clinical response to levodopa but later have frequent adverse reactions to it (dyskinesias, deep "off" states, personality change, other).
Some patients have benefited from transplant of fetal dopamine neurons to the substantia nigra.
