[11C]MPTP: a potential tracer for Parkinson's disease research in laboratory animals

[11C]-1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine ([11C]MPTP), a compound producing parkinson-like symptoms in several species, has been synthesized and purified in sufficient activity to obtain tomographic images in the monkey. Biodistribution data has also been obtained in rats. Carbon-11-labeled MPTP could be used as a probe to study the pharmacokinetics of the compound under various research conditions in animals. Because of its neurotoxicity, the compound is not intended for use in humans.