MAO-B inhibitors: multiple roles in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders?
Monoamine oxidases play a central role in catecholamine catabolism in the central nervous system. The biochemical and pharmacological properties of inhibitors of the monoamine oxidase type B are reviewed. The evidence for biochemical activities distinct from their ability to inhibit MAO-B is discussed, including possible antioxidative and antiapoptotic activities of these agents. The significance of these properties for the pharmacological management of Parkinson's disease and the evidence for a neuroprotective effect of one such agent (selegiline) is also discussed.
Foley
P
P
Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany.
Gerlach
M
M
Youdim
M B
MB
Riederer
P
P