3-Nitropropionic Acid - Exogenous Animal Neurotoxin and Possible Human Striatal Toxin

A. C. Ludolph, F. he, P. S. Spencer, J. Hammerstad, M. Sabri

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

412 Scopus citations

Abstract

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) — a suicide inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase — is a widely distributed plant and fungal neurotoxin known to induce damage to basal ganglia, hippocampus, spinal tracts and peripheral nerves in animals. Recent reports from Northern China indicate that 3-NPA is also likely to be responsible for the development of putaminal necrosis with delayed dystonia in children after ingestion of mildewed sugar cane. This article discusses the role of 3-NPA in the causation of the disease in China, its neurotoxic effects in animals and the potential role for this compound as a probe of selective neuronal vulnerability.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)492-498
Number of pages7
JournalCanadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques
Volume18
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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