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Catecholamines are produced mainly by the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and the postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system. Dopamine, which acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is largely produced in neuronal cell bodies in two areas of the brainstem: the ventral tegmental area and the substantia nigra, the latter of which contains neuromelanin ...
Catecholamine production levels return to normal 72 to 96 hours after administration of the drug ceases. [11] Dosages as low as 300 mg per day have been found to have an effect on catecholamine production, which can be measured through urinary excretion analysis and cerebral spinal fluid assays. [ 9 ]
A dopamine molecule consists of a catechol structure (a benzene ring with two hydroxyl side groups) with one amine group attached via an ethyl chain. [14] As such, dopamine is the simplest possible catecholamine, a family that also includes the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine. [15]
Catecholaminergic means "related to catecholamines". The catecholamine neurotransmitters include dopamine , epinephrine (adrenaline), and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). A catecholaminergic agent (or drug ) is a chemical which functions to directly modulate the catecholamine systems in the body or brain.
Tyramine, like phenethylamine, is a monoaminergic activity enhancer (MAE) of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in addition to its catecholamine-releasing activity. [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] That is, it enhances the action potential -mediated release of these monoamine neurotransmitters .
This enzyme methylates catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. It also methylates levodopa. COMT inhibitors are indicated for the treatment of Parkinson's disease in combination with levodopa and an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor (e.g. carbidopa or benserazide).
Neuromelanin is an autoxidation byproduct of catecholamines, and it has been suggested that catecholaminergic neurons surrounded by a low density of glutathione peroxidase cells are more susceptible to degeneration in Parkinson's disease than those protected against oxidative stress.
Norepinephrine degradation. Catechol-O-methyltransferase is shown in green boxes.[5] [6]Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines (neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), catecholestrogens, and various drugs and substances having a catechol structure. [7]