Dopaminergic neurotoxins, MPTP and MPP+, inhibit activity of mitochondrial NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase.

Abstract

Effects of MPTP and MPP⁺, potent dopaminergic neurotoxins, on the activity of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase were studied using isolated mitochondrial preparation from C57BL/6J mouse brains. Both MPTP and MPP⁺ dose-dependently inhibited activity of NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase, however, MPTP found to be a more potent inhibitor compared with MPP⁺. Significance of these findings was discussed with regard to the mechanism of MPTP-induced neuronal degeneration.