The Sound of Evolution
Phenelzine
Mechanism of action:
Phenelzine is an irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) can be divided into MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A mainly breaks down serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine, and dopamine, whereas MAO-B mainly breaks down dopamine. Phenelzine covalently binds to monoamine oxidase, rendering the enzyme inactive and reducing the presynaptic breakdown of neurotransmitters. This increases their concentrations in the central nervous system and modulates neurotransmission related to mood.
Reference(s):
1. Nolen WA et al. (2003). [Classical monoamine oxidase inhibitor: not registered for, but still a place in the treatment of depression]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd.
2. Sowa BN et al. (2004). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, their structural analogues, and neuroprotection. Indian J Exp Biol.
3. Todd KG et al. (2008). Neurochemical effects of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor phenelzine on brain GABA and alanine: A comparison with vigabatrin. J Pharm Pharm Sci.