EFFECTS OF CHRONIC MPTP AND 3-NITROPROPIONIC ACID IN NONHUMAN-PRIMATES

Compelling evidence suggests that a defect in energy metabolism may pl ay a role in the pathogenesis of various degenerative disorders includ ing Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. The behavioural and neuropathological consequences in primates of chronic systemic adminis tration of mitochondrial toxins which impair oxidative metabolism are of considerable interest. In the past few years observations have been published describing the behavioural, biochemical and histological co nsequences of chronic low-dose systemic administration of 1-methyl-4-p henyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine or 3-nitropropionic acid in baboons. The results of these studies strongly support the view that chronic en ergy metabolism impairment is involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinso n's and Huntington's diseases.