monoamine oxidase

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of monoamines. MAO

monoamine oxidase

noun

1. MAO. biochem an enzyme present in nerve tissue that is responsible for the inactivation of neurotransmitters

Word History and Origins

Origin of monoamine oxidase¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Dr. Friedman added that an older type of antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, could be particularly dangerous when combined with alcohol.

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Ingested on its own, it has no effect on humans, because it is rapidly degraded by an enzyme in the gut, monoamine oxidase.

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Combined, they contain D.M.T. and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which promote psychedelic visions and euphoria.

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In 1993, in a paper published in the journal Science, researchers reported that a mutation leading to a lack of the enzyme monoamine oxidase caused violence in a Dutch family.

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The drugs tested in those studies included Prozac, as well as older and now less-popular medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants.

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