Vanillylmandelic acid

• VMS
• (RS )-3- methoxy-4- hydroxymandelic acid

White to beige powder

Fixed

131-134 ° C ( decomposition)

Soluble in water

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

VMA (VMS, 3 -methoxy -4- hydroxymandelic acid ) is a degradation product of adrenaline and noradrenaline - both of which are produced as hormones in the adrenal medulla and in addition also occur as a neurotransmitter - and arises from these via intermediates by the action of the enzymes monoamine oxidase (MAO ) and catechol-O- methyltransferase ( COMT). VMS is secreted as an inactive metabolite in the urine.

A measurement of the VMS in the urine can be in the concentration in the plasma and in addition, approximately back close to the previously-formed quantities of adrenaline and noradrenaline in the body, wherein the specificity of 95-100% is high, whereas, the sensitivity depends on the particular question.

A strong increase of VMS in the urine (> 7 mg/24 h) indicates a pheochromocytoma, or a tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. Even as a tumor marker of neuroblastoma may VMS are used, then more in the follow-up than in the screening of the disease.

VMA can be detected in urine by HPLC ( liquid chromatography).