Langston J W, Irwin I, Langston E B, Forno L S
Neurosci Lett. 1984 Jul 13;48(1):87-92. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(84)90293-3.
MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is a newly described neurotoxin which selectively destroys cells in the substantia nigra when administered systemically to primates. Because the substance creates a condition in humans which is virtually indistinguishable from Parkinson's disease, interest has focused on its mechanism of action. We now report that MPTP appears to be rapidly metabolized after systemic administration in toxic amounts, and identify 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) as a probable major metabolite.
MPTP（1-甲基-4-苯基-1,2,3,6-四氢吡啶）是一种新发现的神经毒素，当对灵长类动物进行全身给药时，它会选择性地破坏黑质中的细胞。由于该物质在人类身上造成的状况与帕金森病几乎无法区分，因此人们的兴趣集中在其作用机制上。我们现在报告，MPTP在全身给予中毒剂量后似乎会迅速代谢，并确定1-甲基-4-苯基吡啶离子（MPP+）可能是主要代谢产物。
