Some new functions of amine oxidases.

Two contrasting topics are examined in this account: the protective actions of amine oxidases (AOs) resulting from the elimination and/or modulation of the levels of polyamines and some biogenic amines, such as histamine, in anaphylactic shock and the cell damaging effect of AOs catabolic products. Other functions of the plasma copper-containing amine oxidase are considered; namely the modification of some proteins by oxidation of their free amino groups, the auto-regulation of the catalytic activity of AOs, the protective effect against free radicals, and the regulation of K(+)-channels.