48134-75-4

The proximal toxicant formed when MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) is metabolized by monoamine oxidase B. Unlike MPTP, this compound will not pass the blood-brain barrier, but it is a substrate for the dopamine neurotransporter, and thus is able to enter dopamine neurons. It is believed to destroy dopamine neurons by mechanisms involving both free radical production and inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport.