Interactions of the neurotoxic amine 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine with monoamine oxidases.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a thermal breakdown product of a meperidine-like narcotic used by drug abusers as a heroin substitute, produces Parkinsonian symptoms in humans and primates. The nigrostriatal toxicity is not due to MPTP itself but to one or more oxidation products resulting from the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) on this tertiary allylamine. Both MAO A and B catalyse the oxidation of MPTP to the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium species (MPDP+), which undergoes further oxidation to the fully aromatic 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium species (MPP+). These bio-oxidations are blocked by selective inhibitors of MAO A and B. Additionally, MPTP, MPDP+ and MPP+ are competitive inhibitors of MAO A and B. The A form of the enzyme is particularly sensitive to this type of reversible inhibition. Both MAO A and B also are irreversibly inactivated by MPTP and MPDP+, but not by MPP+. This inactivation obeys the characteristics of a mechanism-based or 'suicide' process. The inactivation, which is accompanied by the incorporation of radioactivity from methyl-labelled MPTP, is likely to result from covalent modification of the enzyme.     

Interaction of flexible analogs of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and of N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium with highly purified monoamine oxidase A and B.

Sixteen analogs of N-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) of varying degrees of flexibility have been studied as substrates of highly purified monoamine oxidases (MAO) A and B. The relative effectiveness of the various tetrahydropyridines as substrates of MAO A and B were evaluated in terms of the function turnover number/Km, as determined by initial rate measurements. The insertion of a methylene bridge between the phenyl and tetrahydropyridine moieties of MPTP to yield N-methyl-4-benzyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, rendering the molecule more flexible, greatly enhances reactivity with MAO B, but not with MAO A, as compared with MPTP itself, in accord with data in the literature (Youngster et al., 1989a). The ethylene-bridged MPTP analog, on the other hand, is a far better substrate of both forms of MAO than is MPTP itself. The effect of molecular flexibility on the rate of oxidation of these compounds is obscured by substituents on the aromatic ring. Branching and rigidity were detrimental to the activity as substrates of both forms of MAO. Those analogs of 1 which contain small electron-withdrawing substituents in the phenyl ring were found to be more selective for MAO B, while those substituted with bulky groups were selectively oxidized by MAO A. The substrate binding site of MAO A probably contains a lipophilic pocket larger than that found in a similar site in MAO B.     

Subcellular localization, inhibiting specificity and catalytic properties of several aminooxidases from the human placenta

Human placenta was shown to contain practically all known types of aminooxidase, i.e., Membrane-bound and soluble monoamine oxidases A that predominantly oxidize serotonin (Km approximately 0.05 and 0.2 mM) and tyramine (Km approximately 0.03 and 0.085 mM), partly oxidize phenylethylamine (Km approximately 0.013 and 0.1 mM) and slightly oxidize benzylamine; Monoamine oxidase B and its intermediate form, B', with equal sensitivity towards the inhibitors, Lilly 51641 and deprenyl. The main substrates for these enzymes are phenylethylamine (Km = 0.011 mM for the membrane-bound and 0.019 mM for the soluble enzymes); Membrane-bound and soluble benzylamine oxidases that are stable to MAO inhibitors but are highly labile towards semicarbazide and aminoguanidine and that predominantly oxidize benzylamine. The Km value for the soluble enzyme is 0.19 mM, its specific activity is 0.058 nmol aldehyde/min/mg protein, which markedly exceeds that for serum benzylamine oxidase (i.e., 0.014 nmol/min/mg) and thus excludes its serum origin; Diamine oxidase that oxidizes putrescine (Km = 0.025 mM), histamine and cadaverine and only slightly oxidizes benzylamine. One characteristic feature of the placenta is the presence of soluble MAO as well as MAO incorporated into the endoplasmic reticulum membrane (microsomes). In all probability, these enzymes are precursors of the mitochondrial enzyme. The concentration of MAO A in the mitochondria is approximately 1.3%, that in microsomes--approximately 1%, kcat = 270 and 320 min-1, respectively.     

Resistance of Golden Hamster to l-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6 Tetrahydropyridine: Relationship with Low Levels of Regional Monoamine Oxidase B

Abstract: Effects of acute and chronic administration of 1 -methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were investigated for dopamine (DA) and its metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, in nucleus caudatus putamen (NCP), limbic system, and substantia nigra (SN) of golden hamster and BALB/c and C57/BL mice to obtain a clue for the variance of MPTP toxicity between the strains and species. Regional differences in the levels of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and the in vitro effects of MAO inhibitors were also determined and correlated with MPTP neurotoxicity. Concentrations of MPTP in the brains of mice and golden hamster at 10 min were comparable. Golden hamster was found to be resistant to the administration of MPTP as indicated by a lack of any alteration from the normal content of DA in NCP, limbic system, and SN. Both strains of mice exhibited >50% and >75% depletion of DA (C57/BL and BALB/c, respectively). The metabolites-to-DA ratios were decreased and increased in golden hamster and mouse strains, respectively, after acute or chronic treatment. Whereas the content of total MAO in golden hamster was one-third to one-sixth of any nuclei or mitochondria of both strains of mice, the ratio of MAO A to B was significantly higher in the former species. A possible involvement of discrete regional MAO activity in determining the extent of susceptibility of a species to MPTP toxicity is indicated from the study because (1) susceptibility as evidenced by DA depletion of a species coincided with high levels of MAO activity in SN and NCP, and (2) a highly positive correlation existed with total MAO and MAO B activity, there was a lack of correlation with MAO A activity, and a negative correlation existed with MAO A-to-B ratio and DA depletion. Hence, we propose that the resistance of a species to MPTP toxicity may depend on the content as well as the ratios of the two forms of MAO in NCP and SN. In other words, a higher MAO activity and a relative dominance of MAO B in these nuclei are critical in determining the susceptibility of a species to MPTP neurotoxicity.     

Studies on the mechanism of MPTP oxidation by human liver monoamine oxidase B

The neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and its deuterated analogues were oxidized to their corresponding dihydropyridinium species (MPDP+) by preparations of pure human liver MAO B:monoclonal antibody complex to investigate the mechanism of MPTP activation. Lineweaver-Burk plots of initial reaction rates revealed that the Km,app values for the various deuterated MPTP analogues were similar to those of MPTP. In contrast, Vmax,app values were substantially decreased by substitution of deuterium for hydrogen on the tetrahydropyridinium ring, especially at C-6. Deuterium substitution on the N-methyl group alone did not significantly reduce Vmax,app. These studies support the interpretation that oxidation of MPTP at the C-6 position on the tetrahydropyridine ring is a major rate-determining step in its biotransformation by MAO B.     

Studies of the in vitro oxidation of 1-methyl-4-(1-methylpyrrol-2-yl)-4-piperidinol and its dehydration product 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(methylpyrrol-2-yl) pyridine by human monoamine oxidases A and B

The ability of highly purified preparations of human monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO A and B) to utilize 1-methyl-4-(1-methylpyrrol-2-yl)-4-piperidinol (MMPP) and its dehydration product 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-1-methyl-4-(methylpyrrol-2-yl) pyridine (TMMP) as substrates was investigated. The results showed that TMMP was a substrate for both forms of MAO with Km,app values of approximately 60 microM. However, MAO B had a Vmax,app for TMMP about 30-fold greater than MAO A. Additional studies revealed that MMPP was a poor substrate of only MAO B (Km,app = 9.5 mM) and that acid treatment of MMPP led to the formation of a product that could be readily oxidized by both MAO A and B. Similar acid pretreatment of TMMP yielded a product that was a much poorer substrate for MAO B than the parent compound. These results may partially explain why orally administered MMPP produces neurotoxicity in monkeys and TMMP fails to induce chemical parkinsonism.     

Inhibition and inactivation of monoamine oxidase by 3-amino-1-phenyl-prop-1-enes.

We have previously shown that E-3-amino-1-phenyl-prop-1-ene (E-cinnamylamine) is readily oxidised by monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B from either rat or bovine liver (Williams et al. (1988), Biochem. J. 256, 411-415) in each case producing a non-linear progress curve which was attributed to inhibition by the reaction product E-cinnamaldehyde. We have now found that although this aldehyde inhibits MAO B competitively (Ki 0.017 mM) this cannot account for the inhibitory process, since during a 60 min incubation with the substrate (0.5 mM; Km, 0.074 mM) more than 95% inhibition of MAO B was observed and the concentration of aldehyde had reached approx. 0.025 mM. Inhibition was relieved either by dialysis or dilution of inhibited samples. The activity of MAO A from rat liver was largely unaffected by E-cinnamylamine. Oxidation of N-methyl-E-cinnamylamine and its Z-isomer by MAO B produced progress curves similar to that obtained with the primary amine, but in these cases inhibition was not reversed either by dilution or dialysis. Partition ratios for the pair of N-methyl isomers with bovine MAO B were calculated to be 1640 (E-isomer) and 1430 (Z-isomer). The time-dependent inhibition process for all three amines obeyed pseudo-first-order kinetics. A tritiated form of N-methyl-E-cinnamylamine, incubated with MAO B from bovine liver, resulted in incorporation of radioactivity into the enzyme. This labelling was stable to dialysis and to SDS-PAGE.     

Metabolism of N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in a rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12h

The uptake and metabolism of a neurotoxin, N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were examined in a rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12h. These cells which contain only type A monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) oxidize MPTP into N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+). By kinetic analysis, the apparent Km value and the maximal velocity of the MPP+ production are 70.4 +/- 6.5 microM and 38.3 +/- 10.0 pmol/min/mg protein, respectively. After 7 days of culture in the presence of MPTP, the cells could oxidize from 25 to 50% of the MPTP added to the culture medium and could accumulate MPP+. The intracellular concentrations of MPTP were almost the same after 7 days of culture in the presence of MPTP from 10 nM to 100 microM. The cells could survive 7 days after exposure to up to 100 microM MPTP. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and MAO activity were not affected by the presence of MPTP. Dopamine (DA) concentrations and a nonspecific enzyme, beta-galactosidase activity in the cells were not affected by the addition of MPTP. These data show that the uptake and oxidative conversion of MPTP take place in the cells having MAO-A alone, and that the neurotoxicity of MPP+ may not be due directly to its storage in subcellular compartments.     

Evaluation of the oxidation of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to toxic pyridinium cations by monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes and its use to search for new MAO inhibitors and protective agents

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes catalyze the oxidative deamination of amines and neurotransmitters and inhibitors of MAO are useful as neuroprotectants. This work evaluates the human MAO-catalyzed oxidation of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), a dopaminergic neurotoxin, to the directly-acting neurotoxic metabolites, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium (MPDP⁺) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺) measured by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and this approach is subsequently used as a new method for screening of MAO inhibitors and protective agents. Oxidation of MPTP by human MAO-B was more efficient than by MAO-A. R-Deprenyl, a known neuroprotectant, norharman (β-carboline), 5-nitroindazole and menadione (vitamin K3) inhibited MAO-B and reduced the formation of toxic pyridinium cations. Clorgyline and the β-carbolines, harman and norharman, inhibited the oxidation of MPTP by MAO-A. Cigarette smoke, as well as the naturally occurring β-carbolines (norharman and harman) isolated from smoke and coffee inhibited the oxidation of MPTP by MAO-B and/or MAO-A, suggesting protective effects against MPTP. The results show the suitability of the approach used to search for new MAO inhibitors with eventual neuroprotective activity.     

Reversible inhibition and mechanism-based irreversible inactivation of monoamine oxidases by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

It has been suggested (Chiba et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Communs. (1984) 120, 574) that the neurotoxic effects of MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine), which causes Parkinsonian symptoms in humans and other primates, are due to compounds resulting from the oxidation of MPTP by monoamine oxidase B in the brain. We reported recently that both monoamine oxidase A and B oxidize MPTP to MPDP+, the 2,3-dihydropyridinium form and that the reaction is accompanied by time-dependent, irreversible inactivation of the enzymes. Of the two forms of monoamine oxidase, the B enzyme oxidizes MPTP more rapidly and is also more sensitive to inactivation. We now wish to report that MPTP, as well as its oxidation products, MPDP+ and MPP+, the 4-phenylpyridinium form, are also potent reversible, competitive inhibitors of both monoamine oxidase A and B, particularly the former, and that the order of inhibition for the A enzyme is MPDP+ greater than MPP+ greater than MPTP, while for the B enzyme MPTP greater than MPDP+ greater than MPP+. We further report on the spectral changes and isotope incorporation accompanying the irreversible inactivation.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of pentacyclo[5.4.0.0(2,6).0(3,10).0(5,9)]undecane derivatives as potential therapeutic agents in Parkinson's disease

In previous studies, the polycyclic cage amine 8-benzylamino-8,11-oxapentacyclo[5.4.0.0(2,6).0(3,10).0(5,9)]undecane (NGP1-01) and a number of its derivatives showed positive effects in neuroprotection studies with MPTP, in vivo. In view of these findings, we examined these compounds for their effects on [(3)H]dopamine ([(3)H]DA) release and uptake inhibition in murine striatal synaptosomes, as well as for inhibition of baboon liver monoamine oxidase (MAO) B. In order to assess specificity, initial experiments focused on compounds that blocked dopamine uptake without causing appreciable release (<40% at 100 microM) of the transmitter. NGP1-01 blocked the uptake of [(3)H]DA with an IC(50) of 57 microM, while another compound, 8-phenylethyl-8,11-oxapentacyclo[5.4.0.0(2,6).0(3,10).0(5,9)]undecane, blocked uptake at an IC(50) value of 23 microM. These values were comparable to that of another polycyclic cage amine, amantadine (IC(50); 82 micro), that is used in parkinsonian therapy. Structure-activity relationships of this series of compounds support the importance of geometric and steric, rather than electronic effects, in determining biological activity. MAO-B inhibition for this group was weak, with less than 50% inhibition at 300 microM for any of the compounds in the series. The present study suggests that blockage of the dopamine transporter may underlie, at least in part, their neuroprotective effects against MPTP-induced parkinsonism. These compounds may be considered as potential lead compounds for Parkinson's Disease therapy.     

Biochemistry and physiology of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in the ring dove (Streptopelia risoria). II. Distribution of MAO in different tissues

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was measured fluorometrically in liver, kidney, intestine and brain of adult male and female ring doves. Liver MAO was inhibited in a concentration-related fashion by clorgyline and harmaline (MAO type A inhibitors) where a plateau in the inhibition curve occurred with about 15% activity remaining, and also by the type B inhibitor deprenyl, which produced a plateau when about 85% activity remained. Kidney, intestine and brain MAO were inhibited in a biphasic manner by harmaline. Results with inhibitors suggest that 85% of liver MAO, 86% of kidney MAO, 88% of intestine and 75% of brain MAO is type A. Using 10(-6) M harmaline to differentiate between MAO-A and MAO-B type activities, the apparent maximal velocities (Vmax) and Michaelis constants (Km) were determined in different tissues. Most activity occurred in the intestine, with proportionally lesser amounts of kidney, liver and brain. The majority of MAO present was in the A form. Except for kidney, Km of MAO-B was higher than that of MAO-A. Both MAO-A and -B activities were higher in the intestines of male birds, although sex differences in content and type of MAO activity were not observed in other tissues of the ring dove.     

Oxidation and enzyme-activated irreversible inhibition of rat liver monoamine oxidase-B by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).

The compound 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), which produces symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease in humans, acts both as a substrate and an enzyme-activated irreversible inhibitor of the B-form of monoamine oxidase from rat liver. Analysis of the inhibitory process showed the compound to be considerably more efficient as a substrate than as an irreversible inhibitor, with about 17000 mol of product being formed per mol of enzyme inactivated. The half-time of the inhibitory process was about 22 min. With the A-form of the enzyme, the compound had a lower Km value and a considerably lower maximum velocity than the corresponding values obtained with the B-form. Under the conditions used in the present work the inhibition of the A-form of the enzyme was largely reversible.     

Catalytic and inhibitor binding properties of zebrafish monoamine oxidase (zMAO): comparisons with human MAO A and MAO B

A comparative investigation of substrate specificity and inhibitor binding properties of recombinant zebrafish (Danio rerio) monoamine oxidase (zMAO) with those of recombinant human monoamine oxidases A and B (hMAO A and hMAO B) is presented. zMAO oxidizes the neurotransmitter amines (serotonin, dopamine and tyramine) with k(cat) values that exceed those of hMAO A or of hMAO B. The enzyme is competitively inhibited by hMAO A selective reversible inhibitors with the exception of d-amphetamine where uncompetitive inhibition is exhibited. The enzyme is unreactive with most MAO B-specific reversible inhibitors with the exception of chlorostyrylcaffeine. zMAO catalyzes the oxidation of para-substituted benzylamine analogs exhibiting (D)k(cat) and (D)(k(cat)/K(m)) values ranging from 2 to 8. Structure-activity correlations show a dependence of log k(cat) with the electronic factor σ(p) with a ρ value of +1.55±0.34; a value close to that for hMAO A but not with MAO B. zMAO differs from hMAO A or hMAO B in benzylamine analog binding correlations where an electronic effect (ρ=+1.29±0.31) is observed. These data demonstrate zMAO exhibits functional properties similar to hMAO A as well as exhibits its own unique behavior. These results should be useful for studies of MAO function in zebrafish models of human disease states.     

Serotonergic conversion of MPTP and dopaminergic accumulation of MPP+

[3H]MPP+ had lower Km and higher Vmax values for its accumulation in rat brain synaptosomes than did [3H]MPTP. The kinetic parameters favored the uptake of [3H]MPP+ in the striatum to that in hypothalamus, whereas they were equally favorable for the uptake of [3H]MPTP in both regions. Hypothalamic uptake of [3H]MPTP and [3H]MPP+ was inhibited by desipramine, imipramine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Striatal uptake of [3H]MPP+ and [3H]MPTP was blocked by nomifensine and dopamine. These results support the concept that MPTP accumulates in serotonergic neurons where it is oxidized by monoamine oxidase B to MPP+, which is released and then is selectively accumulated in dopaminergic neurons via the dopamine uptake system.     

Effects of tobacco smoke constituents on MPTP-induced toxicity and monoamine oxidase activity in the mouse brain

Exposure to cigarette smoke has been found to attenuate the reduction in striatal dopamine levels caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in mice and to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in brain tissue. To confirm whether specific smoke constituents which have been reported to protect against MPTP toxicity were responsible for these effects, mice were treated chronically with nicotine, 4-phenylpyridine and hydrazine. Although all three compounds prevented the decrease in dopamine metabolite levels induced by MPTP, there was no significant effect on dopamine levels. None of the three compounds inhibited MAO activity in cerebral tissue following treatment in vivo. However, an extract of tobacco smoke particulate matter caused a marked inhibition of MAO A and MAO B activity when added in vitro. The results suggest that one or more unidentified substances in tobacco smoke are capable of inhibiting brain MAO and perhaps altering the formation of the active metabolite of MPTP.     

MPTP, MPP+ and mitochondrial function

1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), the putative toxic metabolite of the neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), inhibited NAD(H)-linked mitochondrial oxidation at the level of Complex I of the electron transport system. MPTP and MPP+ inhibited aerobic glycolysis in mouse striatal slices, as measured by increased lactate production; MPTP-induced effects were prevented by inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity. Several neurotoxic analogs of MPTP also form pyridinium metabolites via MAO; these MPP+ analogs were all inhibitors of NAD(H)-linked oxidation by isolated mitochondria. 2'-Methyl-MPTP, a more potent neurotoxin in mice than MPTP, was also more potent than MPTP in inducing lactate accumulation in mouse brain striatal slices. Overall, the studies support the hypothesis that compromise of mitochondrial oxidative capacity is an important factor in the mechanisms underlying the toxicity of MPTP and similar compounds.     

Isoelectric focusing of isoenzymes of monkey brain monoamine oxidase

The multiple forms of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in monkey brain were investigated using an electrofocusing technique. When beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA) was used as substrate, two peaks (peak I and peak II) could be clearly distinguished from the profile; the isoelectric point (pI) values were near 7.8 and 6.3, respectively. When serotonin (5-HT) was used, MAO activity was observed in peak I enzyme. The peak I enzyme with a pI value of 7.8 contains AB-form MAO and oxidizes 5-HT and beta-PEA, while peak II enzyme with a pI value of 6.3 contains B-form MAO and oxidizes beta-PEA, respectively. However, when peak II enzyme was incubated in a pH 8.8 reaction medium, MAO activity toward 5-HT in peak II enzyme was seen.     

Monoamine oxidase: radiotracer development and human studies

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an integral protein of outer mitochondrial membranes and occurs in neuronal and nonneuronal cells in the brain and in peripheral organs. It oxidizes amines from both endogenous and exogenous sources, thereby influencing the concentration of neurotransmitter amines as well as many xenobiotics. It occurs in two subtypes, MAO A and MAO B, which are different gene products and have different substrate and inhibitor specificities. Both MAO A and B can be imaged and quantified in the living human brain using positron emission tomography (PET) and radiotracers labeled with carbon-11. PET studies have been carried out to measure the effects of age, MAO inhibitor drugs, tobacco smoke exposure, and other factors on MAO activity in the human brain.     

Effect of solubilization by methylethyl ketone of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase of the rat liver on the kinetic properties of the enzyme

The values of Km and V for serotonin, tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine deamination by solubilized and partially purified preparations of monoamine oxidase (MAO) from rat liver were determined. As a result of MAO solubilization by methylethylketone, 14% of activity localized in the mitochondria passed into solution. Subsequent chromatography on AH-Sepharose 4B resulted in 27-fold purification of the enzyme with a 9% yield. In experiments with membrane-bound and partially purified MAO, the Km and V values were shown to increase non-competitively with a rise in O2 concentration. In contrast with intact mitochondria, the use of partially purified MAO preparations led to a loss of the enzyme sensitivity to O2 depending on the nature of the amine. The dependence of kinetic properties of MAO on the lipid environment of mitochondrial membranes is discussed.