[Amine oxidases of the human placenta].

Some current advances in studies of human placenta amine oxidases monoamine oxidase (MAO), diamine oxidase (DAO) and benzyl amine oxidase are reviewed. Localization of these enzymes in placental tissue as well as distribution in subcellular fractions (mitochondria, microsomes and cytosol) are considered. Presence of multiple forms of MAO in placenta is discussed: three types of MAO A, B and B' were found in human placenta, while MAO of the B' type was not detected in other mammalian tissues. Main physicochemical and catalytic properties of human placenta amine oxidases are considered as well as some cases of alterations in properties of the amine oxidases during anomalous pregnancy are exhibited. Physiological role of MAO and DAO in human placenta as well as use of the amine oxidase test in estimation of the state of pregnancy are discussed.