1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridin (MPTP): One Designer Drug and Serendipity

• NCJ Number: 110356
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 588-595
• Author(s): H L Weingarten
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, San Diego, CA, 16-21 Feb. 1987.

Annotation

Through an unlikely series of coincidences and fortunate accidents, the development of Parkinson's disease in several illicit drug users was traced to their use of a meperidine analog contaminated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).

Abstract

The discovery of a chemical capable of producing animal models of the disease has revitalized research efforts and resulted in important new information. The serendipitous finding also prompted consideration of what changes seem advisable if designer drugs are to be dealt with more efficaciously. (Author abstract)