[Kinetic patterns of their reactions catalyzed by membrane-bound monoamine oxidase]

The initial rate (v) versus initial substrate concentration [S]0 plots for the reaction of serotonin deamination catalyzed by rat liver mitochondrial monoamine oxidase are characterized by complicated non-hyperbolic patterns. The shapes of the curves in the plots depend on the age and strain of the animals used or on alterations in the physico-chemical state of mitochondria caused by freezing -- thawing and swelling in hypotonic solutions. The v versus [S]0 plots for other substrates (e. g. tyramine) do not obey the Michaelis -- Menten equation as well. In order to interpret the kinetic patterns described a model of the mitochondrial monoamine oxidase structure and function has been proposed. The model is based on the assumption that both catalytic and regulatory allosteric sites are present on the surface of monoamine oxidase molecules. In the process of serotonin or tyramine binding the monoamine oxidases exhibit cooperative properties which are characteristic for the allosteric enzymes. The model also suggests an active regulatory role of the mitochondrial membrane itself.