In: Biology
What is the sequence of steps involved in the formation of epinephrine from tyrosine? What enzymes are involved in the inactivation of norepinephrine and epinephrine? What chemical modifications are made by these enzymes?
Among the catecholamines are dopamine, epinephrine (adrenaline),
and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). All catecholamines are
synthesized from the amino acid I-tryosine according to the
following sequence, tyrosine ---> dopa (dihydroxyphenylalanine)
----> dopamine -----> norepinephrine (noradrenaline) ---->
epinephrine (adrenaline) .
monoamine oxidase A and catechol-O-methyl transferase are involved
in the inactivation of norepinephrine and epinephrine .
Norepinephrine activity is efficiently terminated through
inactivation by the enzymes catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) or
monoamine oxidase (MAO), by reuptake into nerve endings, or by
diffusion from binding sites.