Lack of major olfactory dysfunction in MPTP-induced parkinsonism

Ann Neurol. 1992 Jul;32(1):97-100. doi: 10.1002/ana.410320116.

Abstract

The olfactory function of 6 patients whose parkinsonism was the result of intravenous administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was compared to that of 12 age-matched patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) and 10 age-matched normal control subjects. Unlike their PD counterparts, the olfactory test scores of patients with MPTP-induced parkinsonism did not differ significantly from those of control subjects. These findings suggest that MPTP-induced parkinsonism, unlike idiopathic PD, is unaccompanied, on average, by major alterations in the ability to smell.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine / adverse effects*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Parkinson Disease / physiopathology
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / chemically induced*
  • Parkinson Disease, Secondary / physiopathology
  • Sensory Thresholds
  • Smell*

Substances

  • 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine