Some characteristics of mitochondrial monoamine oxidase activity in eggs of carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).

1. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity towards tryptamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and phenylethylamine (PEA) has been measured in mitochondria isolated from carp and trout eggs. 2. In carp eggs all the tested substrates are metabolized and the highest affinity is found with tryptamine. In trout eggs a consistent level of MAO activity is obtained using tryptamine. 3. The inhibition dose-response curves of clorgyline and deprenyl indicate that both in carp and trout eggs there is only one form of mitochondrial MAO, distinct from MAO A and B which have been described in vertebrate tissues. 4. Both in carp and trout egg mitochondria a semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase is not involved in the deamination of the used substrates. 5. MAO found in carp and trout eggs might be involved in metabolism of some neurotransmitter monoamines during early developmental stages.