title: Elucidating the mechanism of action and potential interactions of MAO-B inhibitors.
abstract: A critical enzyme in neurotransmitter metabolism is monoamine oxidase (MAO). MAO occurs in two isoforms, MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO inhibitors are classified as selective for a particular subtype of MAO or nonselective and can be reversible or irreversible. Nonselective MAO inhibitors originally were studied as antidepressants. Newer MAO-B selective irreversible inhibitors are indicated for use in treatment of Parkinson's disease. MAO-B inhibitors offer modest antiparkinsonian effects, as they do not inhibit brain MAO-A effectively at the dose used in treating Parkinson's disease. In this article, the mechanism of action of MAO-B inhibitors, their potential neuroprotective effects, interactions such as the cheese reaction, and serotonin syndrome are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado-Aurora, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. jacci.bainbridge@UCHSC.edu
authors.forename: Jacquelyn L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bainbridge
authors.forename: Robert Lee
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Page
authors.forename: J Mark
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ruscin
mesh_terms: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase