The neuro-toxin MPTP does not prevent reproduction in marmosets

Abstract

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is a neuro-toxin that has been employed to model Parkinson’s disease in non-human primates for over 3 decades. Despite its use for such a long period, little is known about the effects of MPTP on reproductive function. Here, we report the case of a male marmoset which was able to procreate 1.5 year after having been administered the toxin. We also report on 1 male and 1 female MPTP-lesioned marmosets which produced babies after being housed together for 5 years. These cases suggest that MPTP may not interfere with marmoset reproductive function or that if it does, it may be for a limited period of time.