What is "methylazoxymethanol acetate"

n. A neurotoxin and carcinogen that reduces DNA synthesis, used in animal models of neurological diseases including schizophrenia and epilepsy.

Methylazoxymethanol acetate, MAM, is a neurotoxin which reduces DNA synthesis used in making animal models of neurological diseases including schizophrenia and epilepsy. MAM is found in cycad seeds, and causes zamia staggers. It selectively targets neuroblasts in the central nervous system. In rats, administration of MAM affects structures in the brain which are developing most quickly.