1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) treatment decreases dopamine and increases lipofuscin in mouse retina.

The compound 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a relatively selective neurotoxin that destroys dopamine (DA)-containing nigrostriatal neurons. We have now studied the effects of MPTP on retinal dopaminergic neurons. Acute treatment resulted in the accumulation of DA when evaluated by direct chemical analysis or histofluorescence. Chronic treatment resulted in a decrease of DA, an apparent loss of fluorescent cells, and a striking increase of lipofuscin in the retina. Thus, MPTP may be a useful drug for studying the dopaminergic neuronal system of retina and the possible link between neurons and the accumulation of lipofuscin.