DIMETHYLTHIOUREA PREVENTS MPTP-INDUCED DECREASE IN [H-3] DOPAMINE UPTAKE IN RAT STRIATAL SLICES

To determine whether oxygen free radicals are involved in 1-methyl-4-p henyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neurotoxicity, the eff ect of dimethylthiourea (DMTU), an effective hydroxyl radical scavenge r, on MPTP-induced changes of [H-3]dopamine uptake was investigated in rat striatal slices. The uptake of [H-3]dopamine was decreased by MPT P treatment, and DMTU prevented the MPTP-induced decrease of [H-3]dopa mine uptake in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose of DMTU used in this study completely prevented the MPTP-induced decrease of [H-3]d opamine uptake. These results indicate that free radicals play a major role in the pathogenetic mechanism of MPTP-induced neurotoxicity.