In vivo dopaminergic neurotoxicity of the 2-beta-methylcarbolinium ion, a potential endogenous MPP+ analog

Dopaminergic neurotoxic effects of 3-TFMPP derivatives

Designer drugs are synthetically formulated to mimic the psychostimulatory effects of an original controlled/illegal drug of abuse. Designer drugs have similar chemical structure or functional analog as compared to existing controlled psychostimulatory drugs. There is a substantial rise in the production and use of designer drugs globally. Piperazine designer drugs were synthesized as an alternative to MDMA and have shown to induce numerous toxic effects leading to huge health, safety, law enforcement & monetary problems, and lethality. Currently, there are very few studies on the dopaminergic neurotoxicity of 1-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine (3-TFMPP) and its derivatives (structural congeners). N27 rat dopaminergic neurons are valid cells to investigate the neurotoxic effects and establish the neurotoxic mechanisms of various substances. In the current study, we studied the time and dose-dependent neurotoxicity mechanisms of dopaminergic neurotoxicity of 3-TFMPP (parent compound) and its derivatives (2-TFMPP, 4-TFMPP). TFMPP derivatives-induced significant neurotoxicity (induced dopaminergic neuronal death. TFMPP derivatives-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and decreased tyrosine hydroxylase expression. If the use of designer drugs are not strictly regulated and restricted around the world, this can lead to numerous central and peripheral disorders leading to a liability to the current and future society.

The COX-2 inhibitor parecoxib produces neuroprotective effects in MPTP-lesioned rats

The present study investigated the effects of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor parecoxib (Bextratrade mark) in the prevention of motor and cognitive impairments observed in rats after an intranigral infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a model of the early phase of Parkinson's disease. The treatment with parecoxib (10 mg/kg) administered prior to the surgery and daily (2 mg/kg) for the subsequent 21 days, prevented the MPTP-treated rats from presenting decreased locomotor and exploratory behavior, increased immobility, and impairment while performing the cued version of the Morris water maze. Furthermore, parecoxib treatment also significantly prevented the reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase protein expression in the substantia nigra (7, 14 and 21 days after surgery), and in the striatum (14 and 21 days after surgery) as immunodetected by western blotting. These results strongly suggest that parecoxib exerts a neuroprotective effect on motor, tyrosine hydroxylase expression, and cognitive functions as it prevents their impairments within the confines of this animal model of the early phase of Parkinson's disease.

N-methyltetrahydro-beta-carboline analogs of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxin are oxidized to neurotoxic beta-carbolinium cations by heme peroxidases

2-Methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (2-Me-THbetaC) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (2,9-diMe-THbetaC) are naturally occurring analogs of the Parkinsonian neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), whereas their corresponding aromatic 2-methyl-beta-carbolinium cations resemble 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) and are considered potential toxins involved in Parkinson's disease (PD). To become toxicants, 2-methyltetrahydro-beta-carbolines need to be oxidized (aromatized) by human metabolic enzymes to pyridinium-like (beta-carbolinium) cations as occur with MPTP/MPP(+) model. In contrast to MPTP, human MAO-A or -B were not able to oxidize 2-Me-THbetaC to pyridinium-like cations. Neither, cytochrome P-450 2D6 or a mixture of six P450 enzymes carried out this oxidation in a significant manner. However, 2-Me-THbetaC and 2,9-diMe-THbetaC were efficiently oxidized by horseradish peroxidase (HRP), lactoperoxidase (LPO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) to 2-methyl-3,4-dihydro-beta-carbolinium cations (2-Me-DHbetaC(+), 2,9-diMe-DHbetaC(+)) as the main products, and detectable amount of 2-methyl-beta-carbolinium cations (2-Me-betaC(+), 2,9-diMe-betaC(+)). The apparent kinetic parameters (k(cat), k(4)) were similar for HRP and LPO and higher for MPO. Peroxidase inhibitors (hydroxylamine, sodium azide, and ascorbic acid) highly reduced or abolished this oxidation. Although MPTP was not oxidized by peroxidases; its intermediate metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium cation (MPDP(+)) was efficiently oxidized to MPP(+) by heme peroxidases. It is concluded that heme peroxidases could be key catalysts responsible for the aromatization (bioactivation) of endogenous and naturally occurring N-methyltetrahydro-beta-carbolines and related protoxins to toxic pyridinium-like cations resembling MPP(+), suggesting a role for these enzymes in toxicological and neurotoxicological processes.

D-(+)-glucose rescue against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium toxicity through anaerobic glycolysis in neuroblastoma cells

The active neurotoxin of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), exerts its lethal effect by inhibiting Complex I of the electron transport chain (ETC). MPP+ shuts down aerobic oxidative phosphorylation and ETC-mediated ATP synthesis. The present investigation examines anaerobic survival during MPP+ toxicity in murine neuroblastoma cells Neuro 2-A (N2-A). MPP+ addition to the cells resulted in a reduction in cell viability, mitochondrial O(2) consumption (MOC) and ATP concentration in a dose-dependent manner. However, the addition of 10 mM of D-(+)-glucose prevented MPP+ toxicity, attenuated the loss of ATP, but did not reverse the complete inhibition of MOC, indicating substrate level phosphorylation and explicit anaerobic survival. Glucose addition prevented MPP+-mediated drop in DeltaPsim, endoplasmic reticulum and intracellular organelle membrane potential tantamount to an increase of cell viability. Secondly, we examined the metabolic regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) activities during glucose rescue. These enzymes exert control over acetyl CoA reservoirs in the mitochondria during aerobic metabolism. DL-6,8-Thioctic acid (PDH prosthetic group) and insulin slightly augmented metabolic rate, resulting in enhanced vulnerability to MPP+ in a glucose-limited environment. Additional glucose prevented these effects. Amiodarone (CPT inhibitor) and glucagon did not hamper or potentiate glucose rescue against MPP+. These data support strict anaerobic glucose utilization in the presence of toxic levels of MPP+. Moreover, the findings indicate that MPP+ exerts two distinct modes of toxicity (fast and slow death). With MPP+ (<1 mM), anaerobic glycolysis is operational, and toxicity is strictly dependent upon glucose depletion. MPP+ (1-10 mM) initiated acute metabolic collapse, with failure to sustain or switch to anaerobic glycolysis. In conclusion, overcoming energy failure against MPP+ may involve targeting rate-limiting controls over anaerobic energy pathways.

Selective neurotoxins, chemical tools to probe the mind: the first thirty years and beyond

For centuries, starting with the advent of the microscope, cytotoxins have been known to non-selectively destroy nerves and other tissue cells. However, neurotoxins restricted in effect to one kind of neuron are an invention of the 20th century. One might reasonably trace the origins of this field to 1960 when the Nobel Laureates, R. Levi- Montalcini and S Cohen, showed that an antibody to nerve growth factor effectively prevented development of sympathetic nerves in the absence of overt changes in dorsal root ganglia and other neural and non-neural tissues. The year 1967 marks discovery of 6-hydroxydopamine, the first of dozens of chemically-selective neurotoxins. As stated by the physiologist W.B. Cannon, neural function can be deduced by denoting absence-deficits. A wealth of knowledge in neuroscience has been realized through use of neurotoxins. In the 21st century we foresee neurotoxins for virtually all neurochemically-identifiable or receptor-specific neurons, acting at/via functional proteins or characteristic DNA sites. These tools will provide us with a better means to probe the mind and thereby lead to a fuller understanding of the intricate roles of identifiable neuronal systems in integrative neuroscience.

Potential metabolic bioactivation pathways involving cyclic tertiary amines and azaarenes

A major theme explored in this review is the MAO-and cytochrome P450-catalyzed alpha-carbon oxidations of selected cyclic tertiary amines to give iminium metabolites that undergo further chemical modifications to form known or potentially toxic products. The most dramatic illustration of this type of bioactivation process is the conversion of the parkinsonian-inducing neurotoxin MPTP (23) by brain MAO-B to the iminium (dihydropyridinium) metabolite 24 which is oxidized further to the pyridinium species MPP+ (25). The selective destruction of nigrostriatal neurons by MPP+ is dependent on a unique sequence of events (transport into the nerve terminals by the dopamine transporter, localization in the inner mitochondrial membrane by electromotive forces, and inhibition of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain) that, fortunately, are unlikely to be encountered with many substances. A second example of a well-documented metabolic bioactivation sequence involves the highly toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (102). These compounds undergo cytochrome P450-catalyzed alpha-carbon oxidation which converts the 3-pyrrolinyl moiety present in the parent alkaloids into a pyrrolyl-containing metabolite (105). The presence of labile functional groups results in the spontaneous conversion of 105 to reactive electrophilic products (106 and 108) that undergo Michael addition reactions with nucleophiles on biomacromolecules leading to a variety of toxic outcomes. Less clearly defined are the potential contributions to neurodegenerative processes that may be mediated by low-level, long term exposure to less potent toxins. Examples of potential proneurotoxins are the endogenously formed tetrahydroisoquinolines (such as 40-50) and tetrahydro-beta-carbolines (such as 54) that may be biotransformed to neurotoxic isoquinolinium (such as 51) and beta-carbolinium (such as 52) species in the brain. A similar argument can be made for 4-piperidinols (compounds that are at the same oxidation state as the tetrahydropyridines) which may be metabolized via iminium intermediates to amino enols that spontaneously convert to dihydropyridinium species and hence to pyridinium metabolites (67-->68-->69-->70-->71, Scheme 10). This type of reaction sequence has been well documented with the parkinsonian-inducing neuroleptic agent haloperidol (72) which is metabolized in humans, baboons, and rodents to the pyridinium species HPP+ (75), a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial respiration. Finally, an appreciation of the alpha-carbon oxidations of fully reduced azacycles such as (S)-nicotine (61) and phencyclidine (82) to chemically reactive metabolites that form covalent adducts with proteins, including the enzymes that are responsible for their formation, may prove of toxicological importance when attempting to account for the effects of chronic abuse of these potent drugs.1

Differences in dopamine efflux induced by MPP+ and beta-carbolinium in the striatum of conscious rats

The effects of N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium cation (MPP+) and of an endogenously formed analog, 2,9-di-methyl-norharmanium cation (2,9-Me2NH+), on extracellular dopamine were studied in the striatum of freely moving rats. Perfusion of either 2,9-Me2NH+ or MPP+ through a microdialysis probe evoked a marked and dose-dependent increase of dopamine levels. Tetrodotoxin and Ca(2+)-free medium prevented the increase in dopamine levels induced by 2,9-Me2NH+, but not that induced by MPP+. Cocaine, 3 microM, intensified the 2,9-Me2 NH(+)-induced increase in extracellular dopamine and slightly attenuated the MPP(+)-induced efflux. S(-)-3-(3-Hydroxy-phenyl)-N-propylpiperidine, that acts as an antagonist of dopamine autoreceptors in the presence of a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, markedly enhanced the increase in extracellular dopamine elicited by 2,9-Me2NH+, but not that by MPP+. These results suggested that 2,9-Me2NH+ was a potent dopamine reuptake blocker, whereas MPP+ acts as an amphetamine-like dopamine releaser rather than a reuptake inhibitor on the membrane transporter.

Methyl-beta-carbolinium analogs of MPP+ cause nigrostriatal toxicity after substantia nigra injections in rats

Eleven beta-carbolinium compounds (beta C+s) and MPP+ were stereotaxically injected (40-200 nmol in 5 microliter of vehicle) unilaterally into the substantia nigra of anesthetized adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were sacrificed after three weeks. The ipsilateral striatum was analyzed for dopamine and DOPAC levels with HPLC. The brainstem injection site was fixed and cut coronally. The largest lesion area in each animal was measured using NIH IMAGE. Three beta C+s produced lesions whose mean areas were nearly as large as that produced by MPP+ (defined as 100%): 2,9-Me2-harman (94%), 2-Me-harmol (74%), and 2,9-Me2-norharman (57%). Three other compounds produced somewhat smaller lesions: 2-Me-harmaline (34%), 6-MeO-2-Me-harman (29%), and 2-Me-harmine (25%). The remaining compounds were ineffective (< or = 12%): norharman, 2-Me-norharman, 2-Me-harman, harmine, and 2-Me-6-MeO-harmalan. A 40 nmol dose of MPP+ reduced ipsilateral striatal dopamine to 0.6% of control. None of the beta C+s approached this, although several did significantly reduce striatal dopamine at doses of either 40 nmol (2,9-Me2-harman (37%), 2,9-Me2-norharman (42%), and 2-Me-harman (63%)) or 200 nmol (2-Me-harmaline (23%), norharman (63%), and 2-Me-norharman (64%)). There was a moderate negative correlation between lesion size and dopamine level (r = -0.65). There were also moderately strong correlation between lesion size and dopamine level (r = -0.65). There were also moderately strong correlations (r = 0.39-0.78) between the beta C+ nigral lesion area or striatal dopamine level potencies and their previously described IC50 values for inhibiting mitochondrial respiration or their toxicity to PC12 cells in culture. Interestingly, our correlation analysis revealed a remarkably strong correlation between beta C+ Ki MAO-A values and their toxicity to PC12 LDH release (r = -0.84) or PC12 protein loss (r = 0.79). Although beta C+s appear to be less specific toxins than MPP+, their levels in human substantia nigra are 8-20-fold higher than in cortex, making their role as relatively selective nigral toxins in Parkinson's disease plausible.

Characterization of the in vivo action of (R)-salsolinol, an endogenous metabolite of alcohol, on serotonin and dopamine metabolism: a microdialysis study

Using a microdialysis-HPLC technique in conscious rats, we examined the action of (R)-1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, (R)-salsolinol (R-Sal), a possible endogenous metabolite of alcohol, on serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) metabolism in four regions of the brain: the striatum, the substantia nigra, the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. Following 1 mM R-Sal perfusion, the dialysate level of 5-HT in the striatum markedly increased from non-detectable levels to 4259.2 +/- 617.5 nM, while DA increased from 3.4 +/- 0.9 nM to 206.0 +/- 56.5 nM. This increase was one order of magnitude larger in 5-HT than in DA. Conversely, the output of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid decreased markedly to non-detectable levels, while 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid outputs decreased below 40% of basal levels. These effects were dose-related to R-Sal (1 microM to 1 mM) and were confirmed also in 3 other brain regions. The R-Sal-induced responses in the striatum were observed even after pretreatment of 2 microM tetrodotoxin, a blocker of nerve-firing activity, via the dialysis membrane. The repetitive perfusion with 1 mM R-Sal into the striatum induced the reproducible response of 5-HT and DA. Furthermore, the potencies of 1 mM R-Sal to increase the output of 5-HT and DA were approximately 783.0-fold and 2.6-fold stronger, respectively, than those of the same dose of methamphetamine. The results suggest that R-Sal acts to stimulate a release of monoamines, 5-HT preferentially, with inhibition of monoamine oxidase and catechol-O-methyltransferase activities.

Differential cytotoxicities of N-methyl-beta-carbolinium analogues of MPP+ in PC12 cells: insights into potential neurotoxicants in Parkinson's disease

N-Methylated beta-carbolinium cations that can form in vivo from environmental or endogenous beta-carbolines are putative neurotoxic factors in Parkinson's disease. The cytotoxicities of 11 N-methylated beta-carbolinium cations and N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium cation (MPP+), the experimental parkinsonian neurotoxicant which the carbolinium cations structurally resemble, were examined using rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells cultured in "low energy" N-5 medium; cell death was estimated by released lactate dehydrogenase activity and viable cell protein. Of the eight N2-monomethylated beta-carbolinium cations utilized, only 2-methyl-harmalinium (harmaline-2-methiodide) was as cytotoxic as MPP+. Also, three N2(beta), N9(indole)-dimethylated beta-carbolinium cations displayed cytotoxic effects, with the simplest, 2,9-dimethylnorharmanium, approaching the effectiveness of MPP+ in PC12 cells cultured in N-5 medium. However, when PC12 cells grown in higher energy Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium were utilized with selected effective cations, it was observed that the cultures were relatively resistant to MPP+ and 2,9-dimethylnorharmanium, but remained vulnerable to 2-methylharmalinium. The results are interpreted to mean that different cytotoxic mechanisms exist for the two most potent beta-carbolinium cations--namely, a mechanism for the 2,9-dimethyl-beta-carbolinium species that, as with MPP+, is conditional on mitochondrial ATP depletion, but a different (or additional) mechanism for 2-methylharmalinium that is independent of mitochondrial inhibition. The possible accumulation of these cytotoxic cations in Parkinson's disease is discussed in the context of these findings.

Potential bioactivated neurotoxicants, N-methylated beta-carbolinium ions, are present in human brain

Potential bioactivated neurotoxicants, 2-N-methyl-beta-carbolinium and 2,9-N,N'-dimethyl-beta-carbolinium ions, as well as N-methylation activities which form these charged species, were analyzed for the first time in the parietal association cortex and the substantia nigra of human brain using GC/MS and HPLC. The brains were taken during forensic autopsies from corpses without obvious degeneration of substantia nigra. In the cortex, 2-methyl-norharmanium ion (2-MeNH) and 2,9-dimethyl-norharmanium ion (2,9-Me2NH) were detected in almost all samples. 2-Methyl-harmanium ions (2-MeHA) and 2,9-dimethyl-harmanium ions (2,9-Me2HA) were detectable in only two samples. In substantia nigra samples pooled from 3 or 4 brains for analysis, 2-MeNH and 2,9-Me2NH levels were higher than those in the cortex, whereas 2-MeHA and 2,9-Me2HA were below detection limits. Their precursors, norharman (NH) and harman (HA), were also measured using HPLC/fluorescence detection. In both regions, NH and HA were present in almost all samples; levels of NH and HA were also significantly higher in the nigra than in the cortex. Using 9-methyl-NH and 2-MeNH as substrates, in vitro N-methylation of the 2[beta] and 9[indole] nitrogens toward beta-carbolines was measured both in the cortex and in the nigra. 2[beta]-N-Methylation activity was significantly higher than 9[indole]-N-methylation activity in both regions. Recent studies show that beta-carbolinium ions resemble the synthetic parkinsonian toxicant, MPP+, with respect to structure and neurotoxic activity. Such 'bioactivated' carbolinium ions could be endogenous causative factors in Parkinson's disease.

Striatal Protection Induced by Lesioning the Substantia Nigra of Rats Subjected to Focal Ischemia

Unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the substantia nigra reduced the volume of striatal necrosis and suppressed the increase in extracellular glutamate concentration in the striatum induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. These results indicate that the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway is highly involved in the vulnerability of the striatum to ischemia and suggest that glutamate-dopamine interactions may play a key role in the striatal ischemic insult.

Novel S-adenosylmethionine-dependent indole-N-methylation of beta-carbolines in brain particulate fractions

Guinea pig brain S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent N-methyltransferase activity toward physiologically relevant beta-carboline (BC) substrates was examined with reverse-phase HPLC and radiochemical detection. Representative BCs, norharman and harmine, were enzymatically methylated on the 2[beta]-nitrogen by [3H]CH3-SAM in undialyzed homogenates to yield 2[beta]-methylated BCs and subsequently on the 9[indole]-nitrogen to generate 2,9-dimethylated BC products. This may be the first account of mammalian indole N-methyl transfer. There was no HPLC evidence for 9-methyl BC or (from carbon methylation) 2,6-dimethyl BC products. Capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the structures of the 2,9-dimethyl and 2-methyl products of norharman. The 2[beta]- and 9[indole]-N-methylation activities were mainly in the nuclear fractions and were negligible in undialyzed cytosol. This differs from the cytosolic SAM-dependent N-methylations reported with other azaheterocyclics, including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-BCs. The involvement of a single enzyme was suggested because the two N-methyl transfers with BC substrate had similar subcellular activity patterns, regional brain distributions, and Km and Vmax values. Sequential N-methylation of various BCs that have been observed in vivo may be a unique route to centrally retained N2,N9-dimethylated beta-carbolinium ions. Because they resemble the synthetic parkinsonian toxicant, N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, with respect to structure and neurotoxic activity, such "bioactivated" carbolinium ions could be endogenous causative factors in Parkinson's disease.

N-methylation of dopamine-derived 6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, (R)-salsolinol, in rat brains: in vivo microdialysis study

N-Methylation of (R)-1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline [(R)-salsolinol] derived from dopamine was proved by in vivo microdialysis study in the rat brain. The striatum was perfused with (R)-salsolinol and N-methylated compound was identified in the dialysate using HPLC and electrochemical detection with multichanneled electrodes. N-Methylation of (R)-salsolinol was confirmed in three other regions of the brain, the substantia nigra, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. In the substantia nigra, the amount of N-methylated (R)-salsolinol was significantly larger than in the other three regions. These results indicate that around dopaminergic neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra, (R)-salsolinol was methylated into N-methyl-(R)-salsolinol, which has a chemical structure similar to that of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, the selective dopaminergic neurotoxin. N-Methylation of tetrahydroisoquinolines and beta-carbolines have already been proven to increase their toxicity to dopaminergic neurons and N-methylation might be an essential step for these alkaloids to increase their toxicity. On the other hand, after perfusion of (R)-salsolinol, release of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine was observed and inhibition of monoamine oxidase was indicated. (R)-Salsolinol and its derivatives may be candidates for being dopaminergic neurotoxins.

Inhibition of mitochondrial succinate oxidation--similarities and differences between N-methylated beta-carbolines and MPP+

N-Methylated beta-carbolinium compounds (N-Me-BCs), including 2-N-methyl and 2,9-N,N-dimethyl analogs, structural analogs of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), may be endogenously bioactivated, MPP(+)-like toxins, capable of inducing parkinsonism. Both MPP+ and selected N-Me-BCs inhibit NADH-linked mitochondrial respiration (Complex I). We now show that both also inhibit succinate-supported (Complex II) respiration, the greatest inhibition (80%) being seen for 2,9-dimethylharmanium. Complex I inhibition occurs at MPP+ concentrations (IC50 = 0.17 mM) about one order of magnitude lower than Complex II inhibition (greater than 1.2 mM). In contrast, Complex I and Complex II inhibition by the N-Me-BCs tested occurred at similar concentrations (I, 0.1 mM; II, 0.25 mM) and concentrations similar to Complex I inhibition by MPP+. 2,9-N,N-Dimethyl-BCs, which are the permanently charged BC analogs of MPP+, show inhibitory characteristics similar to MPP+: slow onset of inhibition, potentiation by TPB, and reversal by DNP. The fact that succinate oxidation cannot bypass the Complex II inhibition by N-Me-BCs could enhance any chronic neurotoxicity of N-Me-BCs.

Indole-N-methylated beta-carbolinium ions as potential brain-bioactivated neurotoxins

N-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), a highly toxic metabolite produced in the brain from a street drug contaminant, is selectively taken up by nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and accumulated intraneuronally in mitochondria. There it inhibits respiration, causes neuronal death and, in primates, provokes a parkinsonian condition. It has been suggested that endogenously generated or activated agents resembling MPP+ may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. We report here that simple beta-carbolines derived from tryptophan or related open chain indoles, when specifically methyl-substituted on both (2[beta] and 9[indole]) available nitrogens, display mitochondrial inhibitory potencies and neurotoxic effects in vitro (PC12 cultures) and in vivo (striatal microdialysis) which approach or even surpass MPP+. These results take on physiological significance with our finding that brain enzyme activity catalyzes S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylations of the beta- and indole-nitrogens in beta-carbolines that have been detected in vivo. The unusual 9[indole]-N-methyl transfer, previously unrecognized in animals, apparently requires prior methylation of the 2[beta]-nitrogen. Sequential di-N-methylation of endogenous or xenobiotic beta-carbolines to form unique, neurotoxic 2,9-N,N'-dimethyl-beta-carbolinium ions may serve as a brain bioactivation route in chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

Trace dosages of the neurotoxins MPTP and MPP+ may affect brain dopamine in vivo

The present study has examined the effects of systemically administered MPTP and MPP+ upon striatal DA and Dopac of C57 mice, also treated concurrently with either saline or reserpine. MPTP followed by saline did not affect DA level but decreased that of Dopac only at 5.0 mg/kg and higher dosages. The potency of MPTP affecting DA increased greatly when the neurotoxicant was followed by either 5.0 or 10.0 mg/kg reserpine; MPTP at 0.10 mg/kg and higher dosages significantly reversed the DA depleting effects of reserpine. MPP+ (1.0 or 10.0 mg/kg) with saline did not affect either DA or Dopac. In contrast, MPP+ at 0.10 mg/kg and higher dosages, when followed by 10.0 mg/kg reserpine, dose-dependently enhanced the DA depleting effects of reserpine. In agreement with the earlier results obtained in vitro, the present study indicates that MPTP administration at trace level dosages may lead to an inhibition of MAO in vivo. The effect of systemically given MPP+ on DA, however, appears to be more complex in nature, conceivably comprised of actions at the striatal neurones including the intraneuronal vesicles and, possibly, at the substantia nigra which may affect striatum in turn. That MPP+ may have reached brain areas in these experiments is also indicated by the observation of a significant striatal level of 3H-MPP+ after its systemic administration. In conclusion, irrespective of MPTP and MPP+ action mechanisms, trace levels of these neurotoxicants appear to affect brain dopamine neurons.

Dopaminergic neurotoxicity in vivo and inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in vitro by possible endogenous pyridinium-like substances

Elucidation of the mechanism(s) by which 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its active metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) cause parkinsonism in humans and other primates has prompted consideration of possible endogenous MPTP/MPP(+)-like neurotoxins in the etiology of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Here we examined inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in vitro and neurotoxicity in rats in vivo produced by beta-carbolinium compounds that are presumed to form following Pictet-Spengler cyclization of serotonin. We also evaluated N-methylisoquinolinium, a putative endogenous neurotoxin, in the same manner. The latter compound exhibited MPP(+)-like mitochondrial respiratory inhibition, whereas the beta-carbolinium compounds, although more potent inhibitors of electron transport, exhibited weak accumulation-dependent enhancement of inhibition in intact mitochondria. It is interesting that the beta-carbolinium compounds inhibited succinate- as well as glutamate-supported respiration, and are best described as inhibitor-uncouplers. The results of partitioning experiments suggest that both the low accumulation potential and the inhibition of succinate respiration may be a consequence of the beta-carboliniums being in equilibrium with neutral "anhydro" bases. Relative to MPP+, all compounds tested had weak dopaminergic uptake activity in vitro and weak dopaminergic toxicity in vivo, consistent with other findings of relatively low neurotoxic potential for presumed endogenous pyridiniums.

Dopaminergic modulation of excitotoxicity in rat striatum: evidence from nigrostriatal lesions

Considerable evidence indicates that dopamine may, under certain circumstances, play a role in the mediation of central nervous system tissue damage. Furthermore, recent studies suggest a synergistic role between the neurotoxic effects of excitatory amino acids and dopamine. To address this issue, rats received a unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine or vehicle into the medial forebrain bundle. After recovery (18 days), both groups of animals received an ibotenic acid injection of the ipsilateral striatum. Seven days later the brains were removed and the size of the striatal lesion was assessed histologically and by means of receptor autoradiography. Regional analysis of profound D1 receptor loss was determined using [3H]SCH 23390, and extent of astrocytic proliferation was examined using autoradiography with the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligand [3H]R05-4864. Prior interruption of the nigrostriatal pathway (resulting in dopaminergic denervation of the ipsilateral striatum) partially protected this latter structure from subsequent injection of ibotenic acid (the extent of the lesion was reduced by 28%, P less than .05). The findings indicate that endogenous dopamine release may modulate (and intensify) the excitotoxic effects of ibotenic acid.

Mitochondrial respiratory inhibition by N-methylated beta-carboline derivatives structurally resembling N-methyl-4-phenylpyridine

Mitochondrial accumulation and respiratory inhibition are critical steps in the actions of N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), the toxic metabolite of the parkinsonism-inducing agent, N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. We examined the respiratory characteristics of 2-methylated beta-carbolines (2-Me beta Cs) and 2-methylated 3,4-dihydro-beta-carbolines (2-MeDH beta Cs), which encompass the MPP+ structure. As indoleamine derivatives, they could have endogenous roles in idiopathic parkinsonism. With rat liver mitochondria, the order for inhibition of NAD(+)-linked O2 consumption (6-min preincubations) was as follows: MPP+ = 2-methylharmine greater than 2-methylharmol = 2-methylharmaline much greater than 2-methylharmalol greater than 2-methylnorharman greater than 6-OH-2-methylharmalan much greater than 2-methylharman. Similar to MPP+, 2-MeDH beta C/2-Me beta C inhibition was potentiated by tetraphenylboron and reversed by dinitrophenol, consistent with the involvement of cationic forms. However, the participation of neutral forms was indicated by the 2-MeDH beta C/2-Me beta C inhibitory time courses, which were unlike MPP+. The neutral forms probably arise via indolic nitrogen deprotonation because the characteristics of a cationic beta-carboline that cannot N-deprotonate, 2,9-dimethylnorharman, mirrored MPP+ rather than 2-Me beta Cs. Succinate-supported respiration was also significantly blocked by 2-MeDH beta Cs/2-Me beta Cs, but results with tetraphenylboron and 2,9-dimethylnorharman indicated that cationic forms were less important than in the inhibition of NAD(+)-linked respiration. We suggest that the relatively potent inhibition by certain 2-MeDH beta Cs/2-Me beta Cs involves neutral forms for passive mitochondrial entry and cationic as well as neutral forms that act at several respiratory sites. Respiratory inhibition could reasonably underlie the reported neurotoxicity of 2-Me beta Cs.

Dopamine uptake inhibitory capacities of beta-carboline and 3,4-dihydro-beta-carboline analogs of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) oxidation products

Potentially endogenous beta-carboline and 3,4-dihydro-beta-carboline alkaloidal compounds were compared, generally as 2-methylated (quaternary) and normethylated pairs, to the neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-dihydropyridinium ion (MPP+), with respect to inhibition of [3H]dopamine uptake into rat striatal synaptosomal preparations. Although less potent than MPP+, several compounds displayed IC50 values for inhibition in the moderate range (12-24 microM). Notably, quaternization generally did not improve inhibitory potency, and the 3,4-dihydro-compounds often were more effective inhibitors than their heteroaromatic analogs. The partially competitive nature of inhibition by one of the more effective pairs, 2-methyl-harmine and harmine, was consistent with uptake of the beta-carbolines by the synaptosomal dopamine uptake system, as was the fact that the accumulation of 2-[14C]methyl-harmine was significantly reduced by low Na+ media and by nomifensine, a potent inhibitor of the dopamine transporter. When viewed with reports that certain 2-methyl-beta-carbolines show MPP+-like toxicity in vitro and in vivo, these studies support the proposal that a mammalian beta-carbolinium compound may be taken up by nigrostriatal neurons and provoke the neuronal degeneration underlying Parkinson's disease.

Identification of a potentially neurotoxic pyridinium metabolite of haloperidol in rats

In vivo metabolic studies have revealed that haloperidol is converted to the corresponding pyridinium metabolite which has been characterized in both urine and brain tissues isolated from haloperidol treated rats. Unlike the corresponding conversion of the structurally related Parkinsonian inducing agent MPTP to the ultimate neurotoxic pyridinium metabolite MPP+, the oxidative biotransformation of haloperidol is not catalyzed by MAO-B. Microdialysis studies in the rat indicate that intrastriatal administration of this pyridinium metabolite is about 10% as effective as MPP+ in causing the irreversible depletion of striatal nerve terminal dopamine. The results point to the possibility that some of the neurological disorders observed in experimental animals and man during the course of chronic haloperidol treatment may be mediated by this pyridinium metabolite.

Prolonged changes in plasma concentrations of catecholamine metabolites following a single infusion of an MPTP analog

The magnitude and duration of effects of a single intravenous injection of 4'-amino MPTP, an analogue of the dopamine neurotoxin, MPTP, on plasma levels of catechols and normetanephrine were examined in conscious dogs. Plasma samples were collected prior to treatment with intravenous saline or 4'-amino MPTP.2HCl (22.5 mg/kg) and at weekly intervals for six weeks following treatment. Saline treatment had no effect on plasma levels of any of the measured compounds. Following 4'-amino MPTP, plasma DHPG fell to 14% of the pre-injection value and remained decreased for the full 6-week test period, with partial recovery by week 6 to 42% of the pre-injection value. Plasma DOPAC levels fell to 28% of pre-injection values 1 week after treatment with 4'-amino MPTP and showed no evidence of recovery during the 6-week test period. Plasma DOPA fell to 58% of the pre-injection level, while concentrations of the catecholamines NE, EPI, and DA were generally unaffected. The plasma concentration of the O-methylated NE metabolite, normetanephrine, was also unchanged by 4'-amino MPTP treatment. There were no differences in the concentrations of DA, NE or EPI within the adrenal medulla between saline and 4'-amino MPTP treated groups. This pattern of changes in plasma levels of catechols, which is consistent with presynaptic inhibition of MAO within sympathetic terminals, may be a useful indicator of exposure to MPTP-like neurotoxins.

Comparison of the effects of intracerebrally administered MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) in three species: microdialysis of dopamine and metabolites in mouse, rat and monkey striatum

Intracerebral microdialysis in 3 awake species allowed the measurement of the basal output of dopamine (DA), dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), homovanillic acid (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) from rat and mouse striatum and monkey caudate in vivo. The DOPAC/HVA ratios in dialysates from mouse and rat striatum were about 1 and 2 respectively, but only 0.09 in monkey caudate dialysates. The extracellular levels of the metabolites correlated well with reported tissue levels, while extracellular DA levels were 3 orders of magnitude lower than tissue concentrations. The effects of the intracerebrally administered dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) were essentially similar in the 3 species. In all cases an immediate, massive release of DA was accompanied by a pronounced decrease in the output of the metabolites. Basal DA release was no longer detectable 5-12 h after MPP+ administration and a second MPP+ perfusion failed to increase the release of DA.

Striatal dopaminergic toxicity following intranigral injection in rats of 2-methyl-norharman, a beta-carbolinium analog of N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+)

Methylated beta-carboline compounds are mammalian indole metabolites that we have proposed to be endogenous neurotoxins due to their structural similarity to MPP+, the active oxidized product of the dopaminergic toxin, N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Several laboratories have demonstrated that MPP+ administration into the substantia nigra or median forebrain bundle of rats results in extensive depletion of striatal dopamine and its metabolites. We now report that three weeks after intranigral injection of the beta-carboline, 2-methyl-norharman, striatal dopamine, DOPAC, and homovanillic acid (HVA) concentrations ipsilateral to the injection are reduced 41-64% compared to vehicle-injected controls; in individual animals dopamine depletions of 96% were achieved. In addition, at the 2-methyl-norharman injection site in the substantia nigra, large lesions and gliosis were apparent under light microscopic examination. This is the first direct demonstration that a 2-methyl-beta-carbolinium ion is neurotoxic. It lends further validity to the hypothesis that MPP+-like beta-carbolines may be endogenous causative agents in Parkinson's disease.

1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) analogs: in vivo neurotoxicity and inhibition of striatal synaptosomal dopamine uptake

The ability of various 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) analogs to inhibit the uptake of tritium labeled dopamine and MPP+ by synaptosomes prepared from neostriata of male C57 Black mice was measured and compared with their dopaminergic neurotoxic potential which was estimated by an in vivo intracerebral microdialysis technique. The correlation observed between these two properties suggests that nerve terminal uptake is an important step in the expression of the nigrostriatal toxicity of structural analogs of MPP+. The uptake inhibition and neurotoxic properties of this series of compounds appear to be highly structurally sensitive and suggest that few nitrogenous bases will be potent 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-type neurotoxins.

Intracerebral microdialysis neurotoxicity studies of quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives related to MPTP/MPP+

The in vivo dopaminergic neurotoxicity of a series of quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives was assessed in rats using an intrastriatal microdialysis technique that measures the release of dopamine. The N-methyl quaternary salts of these two heterocyclic aromatic systems displayed about 10% of the potency of MPP+ in this assay. Furthermore, tetrahydroisoquinoline, which has been reported to be present in human brain, and N-methyltetrahydroisoquinoline were found to be MAO-B substrates, being oxidized at about 3% the rate of MPTP. Thus, although tetrahydroisoquinoline and N-methyltetrahydroisoquinoline are not neurotoxic, it is conceivable that the chronic endogenous formation of quaternary species could cause neuronal lesions that contribute to the etiology of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.