Acute effects of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on catecholamines in heart, adrenal gland, retina and caudate nucleus of the cat.

The short-term (24 h) effects of 10 mg/kg of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) on cat catecholamine levels of heart, adrenal gland, retina, and caudate nucleus were studied. Significant differences in catecholamines, including adrenomedullar adrenaline, heart noradrenaline, and retinal dopamine, were observed. No differences were found in caudate nucleus dopamine. In this organ, the levels of dopamine metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) were significantly lower after MPTP treatment. Biochemical changes caused by MPTP with respect to its effects on the peripheral catecholaminergic organs are discussed.