Changes in lipid peroxidation induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium in mouse brain homogenates.

We studied the effect of the Parkinson-inducing drug 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and of its metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) on lipid peroxidation in mouse brain homogenates in vitro. MPTP (0.35-1.4 mM) inhibited both spontaneous and Fe2+-induced peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. MPP+, on the other hand, produced a slight enhancement of lipid peroxidation at 1.4 and 2.1 mM concentrations. These results are discussed in terms of the possible mechanisms of MPTP and MPP+ neurotoxicity.