| monoamine | <biochemistry> A molecule containing one amine group. Synonym: monamine. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| monoamine neurotransmitters | A group of naturally occurring amines derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of the natural amino acids. Many have powerful physiological effects (e.g., histamine, serotonin, epinephrine, tyramine). Those derived from aromatic amino acids, and also their synthetic analogs (e.g., amphetamine), are of use in pharmacology. (12 Dec 1998) |
| monoamine oxidase | <enzyme> Catalysing breakdown of several biogenic amines, such as serotonin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine. (18 Nov 1997) |
| monoamine oxidase inhibitor | <pharmacology> A drug that interferes with the action of monoamine oxidase, slowing the breakdown of certain neurotransmitters. Used in the treatment of depression. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a group of antidepressant drugs that prevent the activity of the enzyme monoamine oxidase in the central nervous system (brain) thus affecting mood. The use of these medications is often restricted due to their severe side effects and drug (and food) interactions. Examples include isocarboxazid, pargyline, selegiline, furazolidone and phenelzine. Acronym: MAOI (26 Mar 1998) |
| monoamine oxidase inhibitors | A chemically heterogeneous group of drugs that have in common the ability to block oxidative deamination of naturally occurring monoamines. Although mao inhibitors are probably as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of major depression, the complex, sometimes severe, and often unpredictable interactions between mao inhibitors and many other drugs and food-derived amines make their medical use difficult and potentially hazardous. (12 Dec 1998) |
| monoaminergic | Referring to nerve cells or fibres that transmit nervous impulses by the medium of a catecholamine or indolamine. Origin: monoamine + G. Ergon, work (05 Mar 2000) |