Inhibition of neuronal nitric oxide synthase protects against MPTP toxicity

Previous work showed that several relatively specific inhibitors of neurona l nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) produce protection against MPTP induced dopa minergic toxicity. We examined whether a highly specific novel inhibitor of nNOS, ARR1 7338, could also protect against MPTP toxicity. ARR17338 produc ed dose-dependent significant protection against MPTP induced depletion of dopamine and protected against MPTP induced depletions of tyrosine hydroxyl ase immunostained neurons in the substantia nigra. These results provide fu rther evidence that inhibitors of nNOS may be useful for the treatment of P arkinson's disease. NeuroReport 11:1265-1268 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.