Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity of guinea pig dorsal skin

A semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity with a high affinity for benzylamine (Bz.SSAO) (E.C. 1.4.3.6) is present in guinea pig dorsal skin. This enzymic activity oxidized benzylamine, histamine, 1,4-methylhistamine and acetylputrescine and was inhibited by semicarbazide and by B24 (3,5-diethoxy-4-aminomethylpyridine), a selective inhibitor of Bz.SSAO enzymes. It cross reacted with the antibodies raised against pure pig plasma benzylamine oxidase. Immunohistochemistry showed that it was localized in fibroblasts. Bz.SSAO activity of guinea pig dorsal skin increased during the process of skin healing. A treatment of the wounds with 3 micrograms of b-FGF significantly accelerated the process of skin healing and the increase of Bz.SSAO activity.