Inhibition of Monoamine Oxidase, Depletion of Lung Biogenic Amines by Cigarette Smoke and the Interaction of Some Components of This Smoke with Trace and Other Amines

Abstract

Low platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO, EC 1.4.3.4.) has been found to be associated with cigarette smoking (Coursey et al., 1979; Oreland et al., 1981; Norman et al., 1982; Littlewood et al., 1984 von Knorring et al., 1984). It is not quite clear, however, whether it is the smoking that produces an inhibition of MAO activity or a reduction in the synthesis of MAO, or whether individuals with low platelet MAO activity are more prone to cigarette smoking. It has been reported that low platelet MAO is related to sensation seeking personality (Murphy et al, 1977; Fowler et al., 1980). Cessation of smoking has been claimed not to change platelet MAO activity (Littlewood et al., 1984). This study is inconsistent with other reports in which platelet MAO activity of ex-smokers has been shown to be not different from that of non-smokers, but significantly higher than that of smokers (Oreland et al., 1981; von Knorring et al., 1984). It is not known whether there are compounds in the cigarette smoke that may inhibit MAO activity.