On the binding of monoamine oxidase inhibitors to some sites distinct from the MAO active site, and effects thereby elicited

Many inhibitors of monoamine oxidase, particularly those developed during the past three decades, are often referred to as being selective for one or other isoform of the enzyme. However true this may be, selectivity within the EC 1.4.3.4 family does not preclude the possibility of interactions of these drugs with other proteins unrelated to monoamine oxidase. Indeed, evidence exists which either suggests or demonstrates directly that many of these inhibitors do interact with, and affect the behaviour of other enzymes, receptor systems and uptake pumps, with potentially interesting consequences, desirable or otherwise, for the patient or the pharmacologist. An overview of many such interactions, and speculation upon some of the possible consequences, are provided in this review. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.