Showing papers on "Catechol-O-methyl transferase published in 1969"

Monoamine oxidase, catechol-O-methyltransferase and phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase activity in para-aortic tissue of the human fetus.

Abstract: Paraganglia of mid-term human fetuses exhibited high monoamine oxidase (MAO) (> in fetal heart and liver), somewhat lower phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT) (< in fetal adrenals) and no catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activity. The noradrenaline content ranged 115–184 and adrenaline content 2–5 μg/g tissue. The findings indicate that catecholamine inactivation in this organ is performed by MAO and that the adrenaline found is formed locally.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase in autonomic and sensory ganglia of the cat.

Abstract: Catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) activity was determined in normal and preganglionically denervated sympathetic ganglia as well as in parasympathetic and sensory ganglia of the cat by means of the micro-radiochemical method of McCaman (1965). Low levels of COMT activity were found to be present in all three types of investigated ganglia. In the sympathetic ganglia the COMT activity was almost evenly distributed. No correlation could be demonstrated between COMT activity, monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and the reported catecholamine content in the various sympathetic ganglia. Preganglionic denervation of sympathetic ganglia did not significantly change the enzyme activity. The results indicate that in the autonomic ganglia COMT is confined neither to presynaptic structures nor to “adrenergic” neurons.