Commentary on Monoamine oxidase and its inhibitors in relation to antidepressive activity by E. Albert Zeller

The review of A. Zeller reflects perfectly the status of monoamine oxidase (MAO) and its inhibitors as of 1983. He reviews especially the role of MAO and MAO-I with regard to schizophrenia and depression syndrome. Since that time, both clinical and experimental studies have led to the development of new compounds, which are more selective and safer in their clinical applications for the treatment of depression syndrome. However, the use of MAO-I for schizophrenia has not been further developed. In contrast, patients with schizophrenia nowadays are treated with antipsychotic drugs, which inhibit a variety of receptors. As such, the status reviewed by A. Zeller has been a starting point for more detailed basic research leading to development of new drugs, which are more specific, safer and more tolerable for the patients.