MPP+

MPP+
MPP+
Identifiers
CAS number 39794-99-5
PubChem 39484
ChemSpider 36101
EC number 248-939-7
MeSH 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium
ChEBI CHEBI:641
ChEMBL CHEMBL311617 YesY
Jmol-3D images Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula C12H12N+
Molar mass 170.25 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

MPP+ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) is a positively charged molecule with chemical formula C12H12N+. It is toxic and acts by interfering with oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, causing depletion of ATP and cell death.[1] It also inhibits the synthesis of catecholamines, reduces levels of dopamine and cardiac norepinephrine, and inactivates tyrosine hydroxylase.[1]

The neurotoxin MPTP is converted in the brain into MPP+ by the enzyme MAO-B, causing parkinsonism in primates by killing certain dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra.

The chloride of MPP+ has been used as a herbicide under the trade name cyperquat and is structurally similar to the herbicide paraquat.

References