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To explain the theory of KIMI which is the theory of therapeutics in oriental medicine, the monoamine oxidase(MAO) activities were determined in the brain and liver of mouse which was orally adminstered cold and hot drugs, and forced swimming in cold and hot water. The MAO plays a central role in the metabolism of many amines including the neurotransmetter monoamines. MAO is a flavoprotein found exclusively in the mitochondrial outer membrane, occuring in the MAO-A and MAO-B subtypes. MAO-A deaminates serotonin and noradrenaline, whereas MAO-B prefers penylethylamine and benzylamine as substrates. Serotonin is important neurotransmetter for the control of body temperature. Coptis japonica Makino was selected as the cold drug, and Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata was as the hot drug. Coptis japonica Makino elevated the MAO-A activity which was increased by cold stress, whereas it inhibited the MAO-B activity which was increased by cold stress. Coptis japonica Makino elevated the MAO-A activity which was decreased by heat stress, whereas it inhibited the MAO-B activity which was increased by heat stress. Radix Aconiti lateralis preparata inhibited the MAO-A activity which was increased by cold stress, whereas it inhibited the MAO-B activity which was increased by heat stress.
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