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Dopamine- -Hydroxylase
Basic and Clinical Studies
- IRWIN J. KOPIN, M.D.;
- SEYMOUR KAUFMAN, Ph.D.;
- HUMBERTO VIVEROS, Ph.D.;
- DAVID JACOBOWITZ, Ph.D.;
- C. RAYMOND LAKE, M.D.;
- MICHAEL G. ZIEGLER, M.D.;
- WALTER LOVENBERG, Ph.D.; and
- FRED K. GOODWIN, M.D.
Abstract
Dopamines-β-hydroxylase, the enzyme responsible for conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine, is released along with catecholamines from the adrenal medulla and from sympathetic nerve endings. The properties and mechanisms of the enzyme's action are discussed and its distribution described. Dopamines-β-hydroxylase is a valuable indicator of exocytosis as a mechanism for neurotransmitter release. The enzyme is present in plasma, but its levels vary widely between individuals. This variation seems to be related more to genetic factors than to sympathetic nerve activity. Abnormally high or low plasma levels are associated with several diseases. However, the relation of these levels to disease pathogenesis rather than to genetic determinants is unclear. Levels of the enzyme are elevated in patients with pheochromocytoma and decline after removal of the tumor. Dopamines-β-hydroxylase levels seem to be normal in hypertensive patients. Inhibition of dopamines-β-hydroxylase provides a useful pharmacologic approach to evaluating the role of norepinephrine in psychiatric disorders.
Article and Author Information
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▸An edited transcription of a Combined Clinical Staff Conference of the National Institute of Mental Health, 6 March 1975, at the Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Irwin J. Kopin, M.D.; Chief, Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health; Bethesda, Maryland 20014.
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- Received April 14, 1976.
- Accepted May 4, 1976.
