Authors: L. Oreland; J. Hallman; M. Damberg

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 11, Number 15, August 2004 , pp. 2007-2016(10)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Research on the association between platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and personality traits, such as sensation seeking and impulsiveness, is reviewed with an emphasis on early history and current situation. The effects of MAO-inhibiting compounds in cigarette smoke for the interpretation of this association are discussed and recent results confirming a true association between platelet MAO activity and personality and vulnerability, for e.g. type 2 alcoholism are presented. From a clinical point of view, the link between platelet MAO activity, which is highly genetically regulated and is stable in the individual, and personality traits, has had its greatest impact on the understanding of the nature of constitutional factors making individuals vulnerable, for e.g. substance abuse and other forms of sociopathic behaviour. The molecular mechanisms underlying the association between platelet MAO and behaviour are discussed and evidence that common transcriptional factors, e.g. within the AP-2 family, regulating both the expression of platelet MAO and components of the central monoaminergic systems, such as synthesising enzymes, receptors and transporters, are presented. A hypothesis is put forward, that such common transcription factors may not directly regulate platelet MAO expression, but rather mitochondrial density, or outer mitochondrial membrane surface.

Keywords: platelet monoamine oxidase; personality; alcoholism; monoamine systems; serotonin; transcription factors; ap-2; mitochondria

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867043364838

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neuroscience, Section of Pharmacology, Biomedical Center, Box 593, 751 24 Uppsala, SWEDEN

Publication date: 2004-08-01

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• Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

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