[The effect of prolyl-leucyl-glycine (MIF-1) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine on dopamine levels of the striatum].

We report that large dose MPTP-treated mice bring about a reduction in the levels of DA, 5-HT and their metabolites in the striatum. In the mice pretreated with PLG, although the striatal DA level was also reduced, mean DA and 5-HT levels were significantly higher than in mice given MPTP alone. It is concluded that PLG can prevent, at least partially, the neurotoxic effect of MPTP. We assume that the mechanism of action of PLG may directly or indirectly reduce MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the nigrostriatal system or reduce the affinity of MPP+ to melanin in DA cells.