Acute administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine affects the adrenal glands as well as the brain in the marmoset.

A parkinsonian syndrome was induced in marmosets by administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 4 days. Ten days following the onset of drug administration, brainstem and adrenal tissues were assayed for levels of monoamines and their metabolites. In the brainstem tegmentum, dopamine, its metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), and noradrenaline were reduced, whereas 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were elevated, in comparison with untreated controls. In the adrenal gland, 5-HT and adrenaline levels were unchanged, but dopamine and noradrenaline were substantially elevated.