Azulenyl nitrone spin traps protect against MPTP neurotoxicity.

Azulenyl nitrones are a unique class of free radical spin-trapping compounds. We administered both a water-soluble and a lipid-soluble azulenyl nitrone to mice prior to administration of MPTP. Both compounds produced significant neuroprotection against depletions of dopamine and its metabolites measured 1 week after MPTP administration. There were no effects on MPP+ levels. These findings provide further evidence that free radical scavengers can produce significant neuroprotection against MPTP neurotoxicity.