SEMICARBAZIDE-SENSITIVE AMINE OXIDASE ACTIVITY OF GUINEA-PIG DORSAL SKIN

A semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity with a high affinity for benzylamine (Bz.SSAO) (E.C. 1.4.3.6) is present in guinea pig dors al skin. This enzymic activity oxidized benzylamine, histamine, 1,4-me thylhistamine and acetylputrescine and was inhibited by semicarbazide and by B24 (3,5-diethoxy-4-aminomethylpyridine), a selective inhibitor of Bz.SSAO enzymes. It cross reacted with the antibodies raised again st pure pig plasma benzylamine oxidase. Immunohistochemistry showed th at it was localized in fibroblasts. Bz.SSAO activity of guinea pig dor sal skin increased during the process of skin healing. A treatment of the wounds with 3 mu g of b-FGF significantly accelerated the process of skin healing and the increase of Bz.SSAO activity.