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How Heroin Addicts Helped Scientists Link Pesticides and Parkinson's

Posted by Soulskill on from the one-man's-rock-bottom-is-another-man's-eureka dept.

carmendrahl writes "Exposure to certain pesticides, including rotenone and paraquat, has been associated with a higher incidence of Parkinson's disease in population studies. But how did scientists come to think of a link between Parkinson's disease and pesticides in the first place? The answer involves the 1980s drug underworld, where criminals were synthesizing modified versions of illegal drugs such as heroin to stay one step ahead of the law. One molecule in some designer heroin cocktails, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), breaks down in the human body into 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), a nerve cell killer. Heroin addicts exposed to this molecule got Parkinson's-like symptoms. As for the connection to pesticides, MPP+ is a weed killer that was used in the 70s. It also closely resembles the structure of the pesticide paraquat. The saga, therefore, put scientists on high alert to the possibility that pesticides might play a role in developing Parkinson's."

3 of 109 comments (clear)

  1. Book by steveb3210 · · Score: 4, Informative

    The original researcher wrote a book on his discovery:

    http://www.amazon.com/Case-Frozen-Addicts-William-Langston/dp/0679424652

    1. Re:Book by rwyoder · · Score: 4, Informative

      You mean like how they currently add acetaminophen to most opiates (check out your next codeine prescription) so that if you take too much you'll suffer liver damage?

      Indeed.

      "The drug acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in the popular Tylenol, among others, is widely considered safe when taken correctly. Yet, the pain reliever can lead to liver damage that is often severe or even fatal when taken in doses greater than recommended. The problem is, however, that the margin between a safe dose and a potentially harmful dose is slim. Taken over several days, as little as 25 percent above the maximum daily dose - or just two additional extra strength pills a day - has been reported to cause liver damage, according to the [Food and Drug Administration]. "

      Article: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2013/09/acetaminophen-deaths-cast-shadow-on-popular-pain-reliever.html

  2. Demerol, not heroin. by DeathGrippe · · Score: 5, Informative

    MPP is a byproduct of sloppy meperidine synthesis, NOT heroin. Meperidine is "Demerol."