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Updated: May 20, 2026

A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices

A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices

Published on: August 11, 2021

Monoamine oxidases in development.

Chi Chiu Wang¹, Ellen Billett, Astrid Borchert

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS

|July 12, 2012

Summary

Monoamine oxidases (MAO) are crucial for brain development. This review highlights new findings on MAO-A and MAO-B roles during embryogenesis and their impact on developmental abnormalities.

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Last Updated: May 20, 2026

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Published on: August 11, 2021

Development of a Unilaterally-lesioned 6-OHDA Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

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Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area

Published on: August 10, 2012

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Developmental Biology
Neuroscience

Background:

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are mitochondrial enzymes catalyzing amine metabolism.
Two mammalian isoforms, MAO-A and MAO-B, differ in substrate specificity and inhibitor sensitivity.
MAO functions in the mature brain are linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and evaluate recent findings on the developmental roles of MAO isoforms during embryogenesis.
To understand the impact of MAO expression on embryonic development, particularly brain development.
To connect MAO activity during development to potential abnormalities.

Main Methods:

Literature review and critical evaluation of existing research.
Synthesis of data on MAO isoform expression patterns in embryonic tissues.
Analysis of studies linking MAO defects to developmental outcomes.

Main Results:

MAO isoforms are expressed during mammalian embryogenesis, not just in adults.
Defective MAO expression is associated with developmental abnormalities, especially in the brain.
MAO activity is critical for normal embryonic development.

Conclusions:

MAO isoforms play essential roles during embryonic development.
Understanding developmental MAO functions is key to addressing related abnormalities.
Further research into MAO's embryogenesis roles is warranted.