The Sound of Evolution
Isocarboxazid
Mechanism of action:
Isocarboxazid is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is divided into MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A primarily degrades serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine, and dopamine, whereas MAO-B mainly degrades dopamine. Isocarboxazid covalently binds to monoamine oxidase, rendering the enzyme inactive and reducing the breakdown of neurotransmitters in presynaptic neurons. This increases their concentrations in the central nervous system and modulates mood-related neural transmission.
Reference(s):
1. Kennedy SH et al. (1988). A trial of isocarboxazid in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. J Clin Psychopharmacol.
2. Barber JM et al. (1962). A clinical trial of isocarboxazid (Marplan) in angina pectoris. Br Heart J.
3. Schwartz MA et al. (1960). The metabolism of isocarboxazid (Marplan) in the rat. J Pharmacol Exp Ther.