Type B monoamine oxidase activity in human brain malignant tumors.

An increase of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was observed in Central Nervous System (CNS) malignant tumors, but the isoform responsible was not identify (Marcozzi et al., 1985). In the present work we report additional data in order to ascertain whether the type A or B MAO isoform is increased in some malignant human tumors of CNS. In the homogenated tissues the amine oxidase activity was determined by the chemiluminescent method, using different and specific substrates or inhibitors of MAO A and B and copper-dependent enzymes. 19 samples from 4 different types of tumors and relative peritumoral tissues were analysed. The highest activity of was imputable to type B MAO.