Homovanillic acid

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Homovanillic acid
IUPAC name 2-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)acetic acid
Identifiers
CAS number [306-08-1]
PubChem 1738
MeSH Homovanillic+acid
SMILES COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)CC(=O)O)O
Properties
Molecular formula C9H10O4
Molar mass 182.173
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Homovanillic acid (HOC6H3(OCH3)CH2COOH; synonyms: 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid; HVA; 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzeneacetic acid; 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid) is a major catecholamine metabolite. It is used as a reagent to detect oxidative enzymes.

In psychiatry and neuroscience, brain and cerebrospinal fluid levels of HVA are measured as a marker of metabolic stress caused by 2-deoxy-D-glucose.[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Marcelis M, Suckling J, Hofman P, Woodruff P, Bullmore E, van Os J (September 2006). "Evidence that brain tissue volumes are associated with HVA reactivity to metabolic stress in schizophrenia". Schizophr. Res. 86 (1-3): 45–53. doi:10.1016/j.schres.2006.05.001. PMID 16806836. 
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Neurotransmitter metabolism intermediates
tyrosine→dopamine→epinephrine
Catecholamine metabolites
tryptophan→serotonin
serotonin→melatonin
see also enzymes