The Sound of Evolution
Tranylcypromine
Mechanism of action:
Tranylcypromine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase can be divided into MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A primarily degrades serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, whereas MAO-B primarily degrades dopamine. Tranylcypromine covalently binds to monoamine oxidase, rendering the enzyme inactive and reducing the breakdown of neurotransmitters in presynaptic neurons. As a result, the concentrations of these neurotransmitters increase in the central nervous system, helping regulate neural transmission associated with mood.
Reference(s):
1. Frieling H et al. (2006). Tranylcypromine: new perspectives on an "old" drug. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci.
2. Nolen WA et al. (2003). [Classical monoamine oxidase inhibitor: not registered for, but still a place in the treatment of depression]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd.