Catecholamines

The term catecholamine comes from the aromatic dialcohol, catechol. The most common catecholamines are epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa).

Catecholamine analogs, such as mescaline and amphetamine have potent psychopharmacological properties.

Figure 21.32 depicts the pathway to catecholamines from tyrosine.

See also: Aromatic Amino Acid Utilization, Neurotransmitters and Biological Regulators, Biochemistry of Neurotransmission, Neurotransmitters and Receptors, Action of Epinephrine

INTERNET LINKS:

1. Catecholamine Disorders

2. Dopamine