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A tetrazolium technique for the histochemical demonstration of multiple forms of rat brain monoamine oxidase

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A tetrazolium technique has been developed for the demonstration of rat brain monoamine oxidase (MAO). This method, which allows the use of a variety of phenyl and indolealkylamine substrates, depends on exposing unfixed cryostat sections to high concentrations of aqueous buffered sodium sulphate solution prior to incubation in amine-Nitro Blue tetrazolium medium. Sites of MAO activity are visualized by formazan deposition. The specificity and mechanism of formazan production has been studied. Reduction of the tetrazolium salt by aldehyde formed by oxidative deamination of the monoamine substrate is the most likely basis of the reaction. It is suggested that exposure to sulphate may modify the inhibitory effect of the tetrazolium salt on MAO, resulting in improved demonstration of enzyme activity. The ability to use 5-hydroxytryptamine and tyramine as substrates in this method, in conjunction with the use of the specific inhibitor clorgyline, permits the histological demonstration of multiple forms of the enzyme (A- and B-MAO). This technique may, therefore, be of value in the study of the physiological role of MAO and monoamines in rat brain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Welsh National School of Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, The Heath, Cardiff, UK

    D. Williams, J. E. Gascoigne & E. D. Williams

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  1. D. Williams
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  2. J. E. Gascoigne
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  3. E. D. Williams
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Williams, D., Gascoigne, J.E. & Williams, E.D. A tetrazolium technique for the histochemical demonstration of multiple forms of rat brain monoamine oxidase. Histochem J 7, 585–597 (1975). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01003796

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01003796

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