An analytical solution to the differential equations describing the kinetics of the suicide inhibition of a two-enzyme system has been derived and the modelling of suicide inhibition of the monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO A and B, EC 1.4.3.4) by a quasi-selective agent, (-)-deprenyl, is presented as an example. A new parameter, the specificity index is defined and used in a model which describes the specific and non-specific binding of (-)-deprenyl to MAO B and MAO A, respectively. This type of analysis may be of therapeutic value by indicating optimal dosage of quasi-selective MAO B inhibitors for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
