Clinical applications of MAO-inhibitors.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-I) have been useful in the treatment of both psychiatric and neurological disorders over centuries. Here we focus on the development of this drug treatment. Focus is given on the use of irreversible MAO-I's as well as on reversible ones. Benefit and side effects are reported for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's dementia, depression syndrome and panic disorders. The preclinical and clinical effects of selegiline with regard to neuroprotection are highlightened and the conclusion is drawn that there is good evidence for a clinical neuroprotective capacity based on the assumption that the 50 percent recovery of MAO-B is obtained already after a 10 days withdrawal of selegiline. There is also a focus on selegilines metabolism to amphetamine and metamphetamine. In order to avoid any such effects of metabolic compounds on the cardiovascular system Zydis Selegiline, a melt-tablet avoid of major metabolism to amphetamine and metamphetamine is described in detail. Developments in MAO-I research are discussed in detail as there are moclobemide, lacabemide, rasagiline. Interactions of MAO-I' with tricyclics and serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) are described as there is mentioning of interactions of MAO-I's with other compounds in general. Tables and figures report on clinical studies and on pharmacological properties of MAO-I's. Copyright 2004 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.