Output of endogenous monoamine oxidase inhibitor in rats: Effect of ethanol, tryptamine and tryptophan

Summary Contrary to prediction, loading rats with tryptamine, tryptophan or methanol failed to produce any rise in endogenous monoamine oxidase inhibitor output, whilst ethanol administration resulted in a significantly decreased excretion. These findings, which provide no support for the hypothesis that the inhibitor is aß-carboline, may shed some light on the tranquillizing effect of ethanol in man.