monoamine oxidase

monoamine oxidase

n. Abbr. MAO

An enzyme in the cells of most tissues that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of monoamines such as serotonin.

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monoamine oxidase (MAO),

an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of amines. See also monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

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monoamine oxidase,

n an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of amines.

monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI),

n an agent that blocks the oxidation and deamination of monoamines. The action of the inhibitor may increase the presence of catecholamines, which have antidepressant properties, but it is used for a range of disorders. It can include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). There are relative contraindications of the use of the drug with local anesthetic agents delivered in the dental office.

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monoamine

an amine containing only one amino group.

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monoamine oxidase

a cuproprotein enzyme that deaminates monoamines such as serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, tyramine and tryptamine. Called also MAO.

monoamine oxidase inhibitors

substances that inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase, increasing catecholamine and serotonin levels in the brain; they are used as antidepressants and antihypertensives. Called also MAO inhibitors.