This book deals with basic and clinical aspects of monoamine oxidase
(MAO) subtypes A and B highlighting its importance in neurological and
psychiatric diseases. Consequently the therapeutic actions of MAO-A and
-B inhibitors in Parkinson's disease (PK) and depression are the focus
of several chapters. As MAO is the basis of the development of the
"oxidative stress hypothesis" of PD, several chapters are devoted to
iron and iron-induced oxidative stress in various experimental studies
and clinical conditions. Based on these findings, new compounds have
been developed which not only block MAO, but are in addition, either
inhibitors of acetylcholine esterase or have iron chelating properties.
The aspect of "preclinical" and "clinical" neuro protection as well as
MAO neuroprotection are additional topics covered in this book. MAO,
iron and neuroprotection are seen in the framework of general anti
Parkinson's therapy with chapters on levodopa, dopaminergic receptor
agonists and clinical issues.