Since the discovery of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonism, it has been postulated that (a) MPTP-like toxin(s) such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) may induce Parkinson's disease. As the neuronal degeneration in MPTP-induced parkinsonism is thought to be caused by the inhibition of the mitochondrial respiration by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+), we studied the effects of TIQ-like alkaloids including dopamine-derived ones on the mitochondrial respiration using mouse brains. TIQ, tetrahydropapaveroline (THP), and tetrahydropapaverine (THPV) produced significant inhibition of the state 3 and 4 respiration and respiratory control ratio supported by glutamate + malate, the activity of Complex I and the ATP synthesis. Among those compounds, THPV was most potent. Toxic properties of these compounds on mitochondria were quite similar to that of MPP+. Our results support the hypothesis that (a) MPTP- or MPP(+)-like substance(s) may be responsible for the nigral degeneration in Parkinson's disease.