NCJ Number
110356
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 33 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 588-595
Date Published
1988
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Through an unlikely series of coincidences and fortunate accidents, the development of Parkinson's disease in several illicit drug users was traced to their use of a meperidine analog contaminated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).
Abstract
The discovery of a chemical capable of producing animal models of the disease has revitalized research efforts and resulted in important new information. The serendipitous finding also prompted consideration of what changes seem advisable if designer drugs are to be dealt with more efficaciously. (Author abstract)