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Age Related Changes Regarding Monoamine Oxidase (mao) Activity In The Human Brain
İNSAN BEYNİNDE MONOAMİNO OKSİDAZIN (MAO) YAŞLA DEĞİŞİMİ
Aslıhan BÜYÜKÖZTÜRK*, Biltan ERSÖZ*, Gülriz MENTEŞ*, Hamit HANCI**
* Ege University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry,
** Ege University School of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, İzmir, TURKEY
In order to explain mental impairment in the elderly, various physiological and pathological parameters have been investigated. Based on an increased amount of research on cerebral biogenic amines metabolisms during ageing , we aimed to determine and compare Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) activity in various parts of the human brain such as the prefrontal cortex responsible for high intellectual capacity, temporal cortex associated with short term memory and learning and the cerebellum related to motor learning and classical conditioning.In this study, a significant correlation was found between prefrontal cortex MAO activity(41.48±8.34, 56.93+21.58, 48.33±15.31 nmol/mg protein / hr respectively for 0-20, 21-50 years and over 50 years) of age. There was no significant positive correlation between MAO activity and age (42.40±9.1 for 0-20 years, 53.11±16.43 for 21-50 years and 60.58 ±20.22 nmol/mg protein /hr over 50 years) in temporal cortex. However, in the prefrontal and the temporal cortex, comparison of 0- 20 years age group with 21-50 and over 50 years group reveals a significant increase in MAO activity. Increase of MAO activity in these brain regions may be a factor which contribute to development of mental impairment and forgetfulness in aged population. On the other hand, in the cerebellum, no significant correlation was determined between ageing and MAO activity (40.88±11.61, 49.85±23.35, 39.33±14.87 nmol/mgprotein/hr).
Keywords: Monoamine oxidase, Human brain, Aging
Turkiye Klinikleri J Med Sci 1998, 18:40-43
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