Description
Homovanillic acid (HVA) is a dopamine metabolite. It is formed
via deamination of dopamine by monoamine oxidase (MAO) to produce 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC; ) followed by DOPAC metabolism by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). HVA undergoes hydrogen peroxide-dependent oxidation in the presence of horseradish peroxidase to form a fluorescent dimer that displays excitation/emission maxima of 312/420 nm, respectively. It has been used to quantify hydrogen peroxide production in macrophages and neutrophils.
Chemical Properties
white to beige crystalline powder
Uses
A neuroendocrine tumor marker. Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid (DOPAC) metabolite.
Uses
Fluorimetric reagent and major catecholamine metaboliteHomovanillic acid is used as a reagent in the determination of oxidative enzymes. It is associated with dopamine levels in the brain. Its presence supports a diagnosis of neuroblastoma and malignant pheochromocytoma.
Definition
ChEBI: A monocarboxylic acid that is the 3-O-methyl ether of (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid. It is a catecholamine metabolite.
Biological Activity
Fluorimetric reagent and major catecholamine metabolite. Used for fluorimetric determination of oxidative enzymes including glucose oxidase.
