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Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Methods for the Discovery of Novel Compounds Modulating a Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Receptor Type A Neurotransmission
Published on: August 16, 2018
Selective inhibition of the "B form" of monoamine oxidase
Abstract:
Deprenyl (phenyl-isopropyl-methyl-propinylamine) is a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and like the acetylenic type of inhibitors it induces irreversible inhibition of the enzyme. Its levorotatory isomer is a more potent inhibitor than the dextrorotatory one. Deprenyl elevates the concentration of 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) in the synaptosomal fraction of rat heart homogenate while pargyline, probably due to its releasing effect, decreases 3H-NA content in the same fraction. Deprenyl is a selective inhibitor of the "B form" of MAO, which preferentially oxidizes beta-phenylethylamine as substrate.
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