Monoamine Oxidase

Monoamine oxidase (MAO; EC 1.4:3.4; amine: oxygen oxidoreductase; deaminating; flavine-containing) is an enzyme that oxidizes a variety of monoamine neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, as well as exogenous bioactive monoamines. It was first characterized by (1928 ) as monoamines (TA) oxidase and was later called monoamine oxidase by (1938 ). A considerable interest in the enzyme developed after the discovery that MAO inhibitors alleviated clinical symptoms of depression (Loomer et al., 1957 ). Unfortunately, MAO inhibitors are not widely prescribed as therapeunc agents for the treatment of depression because a number of adverse reactions occur, particularly the severe hypertensive effect that may result from ingestion of TA-rich food (Blackwell and Marley, 1966 ). The search continues, however, for new MAO inhibitor that have antidepressant properties without adverse side effects, and, in fact, a large number of highly active, specific, reversible or irreversible, prodrug MAO inhibitors have been found.