Monoamineoxidase

COMT) and monoamineoxidase (MAO), is another means to increase actual available dopamine concentration (COMT-inhibitors, p. 188), MAOe-inhibi-tors, p. 88,188). 

Adrenaline and noradrenaline are unstable in aqueous solution where they are subjected to spontaneous oxidation. In vivo this mechanism is only relevant under pathophysiological conditions of an catecholamine excess, since two enzymes, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and the monoamineoxidase (MAO), inactivate physiological amounts of the transmitters. There are at least two subtypes of the enzyme MAO, A and B, which can be inhibited selectively for therapeutic purposes, for example by moclobemide and selegiline. 

And it may play such a role here. When one balances the sort-of stimulant nature of a-MT with the potent psychedelic properties of a,0-DMS, one can ask if the oxidation of the tryptamine system at this 5-position can be of some significance. Tryptamine becomes serotonin by this action. DMT becomes bufotenine by this action. If there is some extension of this to the a-MT world, then the placement of a fluoro group at that position of attack would be interesting. 5-F-a-MT has been made, and it appears to be of reduced activity in man. But it has proven to be an extremely potent monoamineoxidase inhibitor, and strongly influences the brain serotonin levels. The 6-fluoro isomer, 6-F-a-MT, is also effective. 

Both of these materials, a-MT and a,N-DMT, are effective monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Both of these materials show some of the syndrome that has been described for the monoamineoxidase inhibitors of the beta-carboline family. It would be interesting to design and conduct a study into the role that either of these might play in promoting the oral activity of the materials of ayahuasca that are deaminated and thus deactivated when taken alone. This entire argument could and should embrace the methoxylated counterpart, a,N,0-TMS. I am not aware of any studied that have been made as to its deaminase enzymatic effectiveness, but it too fulfills that nausea, discomfort, un-psychedelic pattern shown here. The expected increase in potency due to the 5-methoxyl group is proper, making it a more potent compound than either of these two. Let s put it into the study as well. 

EXTENSIONS AND COMMENTARY This base, a-ET or etryptamine, was a promising antidepressant, explored clinically as the acetate salt by Upjohn under the name of Monase. Its central stimulant activity is probably not due to its monoamineoxidase inhibition activity, but appears to stem from its structural relationship to the indolic psychedelics. It was withdrawn from potential commercial use with the appearance of an unacceptable incidence of a medical condition known as agranulocytosis, but the extra mural research into its action, among the lay population, goes on. 

There is a valid reason for this commingling of the reports of the effects of this chemical and plant, however. In many peoples minds, the two materials are felt to be exclusively monoamineoxidase inhibitors, and to be interchangeable. I recently read the following bit of advice somewhere on the internet. "If you really want to get off on shrooms, take some harmaline or Syrian Rue seeds along with them." This one phrase embodies a number of popular myths in the psychedelic drug subculture. Let me try to unravel this tangled knot. 

Methoxyharmalan (6-MeO-DHH) was the chemical intermediate in the synthesis given above. Its main claim for attention is that it is the immediate result of the removal of a molecule of water from melatonin, which is a major actor in the biochemistry of the pineal gland. It is also a pretty effective monoamineoxidase inhibitor. 

Monoamineoxidase (MAO) Particularly in liver, kidney, intestine Nervous tissue Mitochondrial enzyme... 

Certain t) es of foods can adversely effect the dmg s therapeutic effect by increasing absorption, delaying absorption, and even preventing absorption of the medication. Furthermore, food may cause the patient to experience an adverse reaction as in the case with phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), which is an MAO monoamineoxidase inhibitor anti-depressant. Nardil caimot be given with foods that use bacteria or molds in their preparation or for preservation of those that contain tyramine, such as cheese, sour cream, beer, wine, figs, raisins, bananas, avocados, etc. The nurse must assess if the dmg has a contraindication with food and educate the patient about this food-dmg interaction. 

Adnitt PI. Hypoglycemic action of monoamineoxidase inhibitors (MAOFs). Diabetes (1968) 17, 628-33. 

Adnitt PI, Oleesky, Schnieden H. The hypoglycaemic acticn of monoamineoxidase inhibi-toiB (MAOI s). Diabetologia ( 96S) 4,319. 

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