1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

Introduction

Neurotoxin origionally isolated from impure preparations of heroin

Adverse effects

• parkinsonism

Mechanism of action

• selective effects on substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons
• inhibits complex I (NADH-CoQ oxidoreductase) of the mitochondrial electron transport chain

More general terms

• pyridine
• opiate
• toxin (hazardous material, poison)

Additional terms

• electron transport
• meperidine (Demerol, Isonipecaine, Chlorbycyclen, Centralgin)
• parkinsonism

Database

• PubChem: http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=1388