Citation

Ludolph AC, He F, Spencer PS, Hammerstad J, Sabri M. Can. J. Neurol. Sci. 1991; 18(4): 492-498.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences)

DOI

10.1017/s0317167100032212

PMID

1782616

Abstract

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)--a suicide inhibitor of succinate dehydrogenase--is a widely distributed plant and fungal neurotoxin known to induce a 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.

Language: en

Keywords

Animal Diseases; Animals; China; Corpus Striatum; Humans; Mycotoxicosis; Nervous System Diseases; Neurotoxins; Nitro Compounds; Plant Extracts; Propionates