What is the role of MAO-A and MAO-B in the human body?
Label:chem
Topic
MAO enzymes catalyze the oxidation of neurotransmitters and dietary amines. They exist as two isoforms, MAO-A and MAO-B, with different substrate and inhibitor specificities.
Answer
MAO-A is primarily distributed in the intestine, placenta, and heart, and is involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters like serotonin. MAO-B is mainly found in platelets, liver cells, and brain glial cells, and metabolizes neurotransmitters like dopamine. MAO-A inhibitors are used to treat neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., depression), while MAO-B inhibitors are used for Parkinson's disease.
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