In mice, production of plasma IL-1 and IL-6 in response to MPTP is related to behavioral lateralization.

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induces dopaminergic neuron death in substantia nigra and dopamine loss in striatum, similar to those observed in Parkinson disease. Given MPTP can also induce alterations in brain cytokines and in peripheral immune parameters, we hypothesize that MPTP can induce an elevation of plasma cytokines. We have previously shown that cytokine production depends on behavioral lateralization in certain conditions.

Interleukine-1beta and interleukine-6 levels in striatum and other brain structures after MPTP treatment: influence of behavioral lateralization.

MPTP (N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) induces diminution of the dopamine in nigrostriatal pathway and cognitive deficits in mice. MPTP treatment also increases pro-inflammatory cytokine production in substantia nigra and striatum. Since, pro-inflammatory cytokines influence striatal dopamine content and provoke cognitive impairments, the cognitive defects induced by MPTP may be partly due to brain cytokine induction in other structures than nigrostriatal pathway.