MPTP induced hemiparkinsonism in monkeys: behavioral, mechanographic, electromyographic and immunohistochemical studies

Exp Brain Res. 1992;90(1):116-20. doi: 10.1007/BF00229262.

Abstract

A single infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP) into the right internal carotid artery of Macaca mulatta monkeys resulted in akinesia and rigidity of the contralateral limb. The immunohistochemical study revealed a dramatic reduction in the number of TH-immunoreactive cells in the substantia nigra of the infused side (70-81%). After unilateral MPTP-treatment movement parameters and EMG activity were altered; the agonist muscle developed increased EMG activity associated with a shift of antagonist muscle activity. These results confirm that hemiparkinsonian monkeys are a valuable model of parkinsonism which can be useful in studies of movement disorder physiology and therapy of Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / drug effects*
  • Dopamine Agents*
  • Electromyography / drug effects
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Macaca mulatta
  • Muscles / pathology
  • Muscles / physiology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / pathology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / psychology

Substances

  • Dopamine Agents
  • 1-methyl-4-(2'-methylphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine