A Lannuzel, P Champy, PP Michel, G Hoglinger, R Hocquemiller, EC
Hirsch
S39.004

The toxin believed responsible for the PSP-like syndrome of the West
Indies is a
potent mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, according to this study.

Mesencephalic cell cultures were treated with annonacin, extracted
from Annona
muricata (soursop). Soursop is a tropical plant native to the West
Indies, whoseconsumption as tea is thought to be the cause of
Guadeloupean parkinsonism.
Death of both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic neurons was seen, at
concentrations half of that required for similar results with
rotenone, and 1% of that for MPTP. Cells could be entirely protected
by addition of glucose,which was linked to restoration of ATP
production via glycolysis. Infusion of annonacin for 28 days into
rats produced pronounced neurodegeneration in basal ganglia and
brainstem, with relative sparing of hippocampus, cerebellum, and
cerebral cortex.
A Lannuzel, P Champy, PP Michel, G Hoglinger, R Hocquemiller, EC
Hirsch
S39.004