N-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces cytoskeletal alterations on 'Swiss 3T3' mouse fibroblasts.

The effect of the neurotoxin MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) on Swiss 3T3 cells was investigated. Cell morphology alterations were observed when 3T3 cell cultures were exposed for 6 h to 1.5 mM MPTP. Using indirect immunofluorescence technique, cytoskeletal elements' organization of microfilaments and microtubules, has been analysed. MPTP modified both actin and tubulin networks, stress fibers appeared less sharp and microtubules were disorganized. The effect of MPTP was completely reversible and cell viability was unaffected. These results suggest that changes in cytoskeletal organization may be the first visible effect related to biochemical alterations induced by MPTP.