Iron accumulation in the substantia nigra of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced hemiparkinsonian monkeys

Neurosci Lett. 1994 Feb 28;168(1-2):251-3. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(94)90462-6.

Abstract

The mechanism of abnormal iron accumulation in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. To explore this question, we made a hemiparkinsonism model in monkeys by injecting 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into the caudate or putamen on one side, and compared iron content in the SN and other basal ganglia structures by histochemistry. The injected side, especially the SN pars compacta, showed a marked increase in iron staining. Our study indicates that an injury to the nigrostriatal system by MPTP injection can induce iron accumulation in the SN.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / administration & dosage
  • Animals
  • Basal Ganglia / drug effects
  • Basal Ganglia / metabolism
  • Basal Ganglia / pathology
  • Caudate Nucleus / drug effects
  • Caudate Nucleus / pathology
  • Iron / metabolism*
  • MPTP Poisoning*
  • Macaca fascicularis
  • Male
  • Microinjections
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / metabolism*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / pathology
  • Substantia Nigra / drug effects
  • Substantia Nigra / metabolism*
  • Substantia Nigra / pathology

Substances

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Iron