Different toxicity of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic pathways.

The influence of MPTP (30 mg/kg X 2) on dopamine content and tyrosine hydroxylase activity in striatal, limbic and cortical areas of C-57/B16 mice was studied. General dopamine depletion was observed 24 h after the treatment, but 30 days after administration recovery was complete in all but the striatum. At 24 h, tyrosine hydroxylase activity was decreased only in striatum. It is proposed that MPTP acts differently in striatum and in other dopaminergic areas.