Variability and functional recovery in the N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of parkinsonism in monkeys

Neuroscience. 1986 Aug;18(4):817-22. doi: 10.1016/0306-4522(86)90102-8.

Abstract

Fourteen macaque monkeys were injected intravenously with N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. All developed the cardinal signs of parkinsonism (akinesia, rigidity, etc.) in varying degrees; some required repeated series of injections of the drug, while others developed the syndrome readily after the first series. Most of the subjects that were kept for longer than 4 weeks after the first dose of the drug showed complete or partial recovery after that time. Measurement, in some of the subjects, of the neostriatal levels of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid showed the expected depletion of these substances at the peak of the behavioral action of the drug, but no recovery when the animals had returned to, or near, pre-drug behavioral status. No firm conclusion can be reached at this time as to the reasons for the behavioral recovery or the variability of the effects of the drug across subjects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Brain Chemistry / drug effects*
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Female
  • Macaca fascicularis
  • Male
  • Monkey Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Monkey Diseases / mortality
  • Monkey Diseases / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / veterinary*
  • Pyridines*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Pyridines
  • 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • Dopamine