Localization of Monoamine Oxidase in Mammalian and Reptilian Heart.

Numerous studies have been reported concerning the role of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in the metabolism of biogenic amines, especially in the central nervous system and in the heart. A large number of compounds that inhibit MAO have been described, and some of these have been used therapeutically. For this reason we considered that differences in concentration and localization of the enzyme might be of considerable importance in evaluating the results of therapy with MAO inhibitors. Comparison was therefore made between the human heart and those of a number of animals.