Homovanillic acid

4- hydroxy-3- methoxyphenylacetic acid

Yellow-brown powder

142-145 ° C

Attention

Template: Infobox chemical / molecular formula search available

Homovanillic acid is the breakdown product of dopamine. This is converted via several intermediate steps in 3- methoxytyramine and homovanillic acid in last. In the conversion of three enzymes are involved: the monoamine oxidase (MAO), catechol- O-methyltransferase ( COMT ), and aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Homovanillic acid can serve as a tumor marker in neuroblastoma, as well as in malignant pheochromocytoma. Quantitative determination in urine samples can be performed by gas chromatography after extraction and pre-separation by lipophilic gel chromatography together with other metabolites of biogenic amines.