[Baygon (2-isopropoxyphenyl-N-methyl carbamate) activation of enzymatic deamination of 2-phenyl-ethylamine]

Abstract

Carbamate-containing pesticides, particularly baygon, might alter the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) in vivo. Baygon was found to stimulate selectively the deamination of 2-phenylethylamine, which is a specific substrate of MAO of the B type; the stimulating effect of baygon was reversible. Kinetic studies showed that the stimulation of the enzyme in presence of baygon of the competitive type. A selective inhibitor of MAO of the B type deprenyl might prevent the impairments of the central nervous system, which are observed in the baygon intoxication. Estimation of the MAO activity in blood thrombocytes may be used as a new biochemical test in diagnosis of intoxications caused by pesticides.