Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Gene-environment Interaction Models to Unmask Susceptibility Mechanisms in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: January 7, 2014
MPTP neurotoxicity: an overview and characterization of phases of toxicity
Abstract:
MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) produces unalloyed parkinsonism in humans when injected systemically, and has been effective in producing an animal model of Parkinson's disease in non-human primates. A distinction between toxic and pharmacologic effects of the compound is drawn, and basic criteria for animal models of human disease are reviewed, particularly as they relate to MPTP. A comparison between a unique population of humans affected by this substance and non-human primates is presented. The syndrome of MPTP intoxication can be divided into three and possibly four phases, and the potential underlying mechanisms for the clinical and behavior observations of each phase are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Drug Toxicity: Overview
Drug Toxicity: Dose-Dependent Reactions
Toxicokinetics: Overview
Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson Disease ll: Pathophysiology

