The enzymes of mitochondrial respiratory chain, NADH dehydrogenase (complex I) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV), were completely inhibited by 6-hydroxydopamine with IC50 = 10.5 microM and IC50 = 34 microM respectively. The enzyme inhibition was insensitive to the change of NADH or cytochrome c concentrations. The extent of complex I inhibition decreased as a consequence of both non-enzymatic and monoamine oxidase-catalyzed oxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine. Monoamine oxidase A and B inhibitors, tranylcypromine and clorgyline but not l-deprenyl increased the extent of 6-hydroxydopamine induced inhibition of complex I. Thus, 6-hydroxydopamine itself and not its oxidation products may be responsible for the neurotoxicity of this agent via inhibition of respiratory chain enzymes.