− | Selegiline is a selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitor (I), also commonly known as L-deprenyl. Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) is the main enzyme responsible for breakdown of the monoamine neurotransmitters (adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, serotonin, histamine and dopamine). Selegiline has a high specificity for dopamine. MAO-Is function by preventing oxidative deamination of brain amines, increasing levels of these substances. | + | Selegiline is a selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B inhibitor (I), also commonly known as L-deprenyl. Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) is the main enzyme responsible for breakdown of the monoamine neurotransmitters (adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, serotonin, histamine and dopamine). Selegiline has a high specificity for dopamine. MAO-Is function by preventing oxidative deamination of brain amines, augmenting levels of these substances<ref>Overall, K.L., 2001. Pharmacological Treatment in Behavioural Medicine: The Importance of Neurochemistry, Molecular Biology and Mechanistic Hypotheses. The Veterinary Journal, 162, 9-23</ref>. |
| Two forms exist, these are different in terms of their distribution in tissues and substrate specificity: | | Two forms exist, these are different in terms of their distribution in tissues and substrate specificity: |