monoamine oxidase

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the nervous system. Its primary function is to break down monoamines, which include important neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin, through oxidative deamination. This enzymatic activity helps regulate the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain.12

MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that interfere with the action of this enzyme. By inhibiting MAO, these drugs lead to an accumulation of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin within nerve cells, which can help elevate mood. MAOIs are used in the treatment of depression and other mental disorders. They are also used in managing the symptoms of Parkinson disease by slowing the degradation of dopamine in the brain.23