Guanabenz as inhibitor of copper-containing amine oxidases

The effects of guanabenz on some copper containing amine oxidases are described. Guanabenz 'in vitro' inhibits pig plasma benzylamine oxidase with a IC50 M 5.1 +/- 0.8 X 10(-6) M. It also inhibits pig kidney diamine oxidase and rat liver mitochondrial monoamine oxidase at higher concentrations. The significance of this property of guanabenz is discussed.