INFLUENCE OF N-METHYL-4-PHENYL-1,2,3,6,-TETRAHYDROPYRIDINE LIPOIC ACID AND L-DEPRENYL ON THE INTERPLAY BETWEEN CELLULAR REDOX SYSTEMS

For several years there is controversy concerning the toxic potency of reaction products catalyzed by monoamine oxidase in neurodegenerative processes. There is uncertainty whether products of catecholamine oxi dation are pathogenetically relevant factors for neuronal cell death i n Parkinson's disease. To date products responsible for impairment of biochemical functions essential for cell viability are not yet identif ied, and the primary site of damage within the cell is unknown. Ammoni a, aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide are formed via monoamine oxidase ca talyzed oxidations of primary amines. But which of them, if any, is da maging to the cell? We discuss some aspects of the oxidative stress th eory of cell degeneration in relation to toxicity of N-methyl-4-phenyl -1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and to monoamine oxidation. Further more, we consider possible functional relationships of mitochondrial e lectron transfer reactions, toxicity of MPTP and MAO activity.