3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT), also known as 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine, is a human
trace amine that occurs as a
metabolite of the
neurotransmitter dopamine.
It is formed by the introduction of a
methyl group to dopamine by the
enzyme
Enzymes () are proteins that act as biological catalysts by accelerating chemical reactions. The molecules upon which enzymes may act are called substrate (chemistry), substrates, and the enzyme converts the substrates into different molecule ...
catechol-O-methyl transferase
Catechol-''O''-methyltransferase (COMT; ) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines (neurotransmitters such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), catecholestrogens, and various drugs and substances having a catechol st ...
(COMT). 3-MT can be further metabolized by the enzyme
monoamine oxidase (MAO) to form
homovanillic acid (HVA), which is then typically excreted in the urine.
Originally thought to be physiologically inactive, 3-MT has recently been shown to act as an
agonist of human
TAAR1.
Occurrence
3-Methoxytyramine occurs naturally in the
prickly pear cactus (genus ''Opuntia''), and is in general widespread throughout the
Cactaceae. It has also been found in
crown gall tumors on ''Nicotiana'' sp.
In humans, 3-methoxytyramine is a
trace amine that occurs as a
metabolite of
dopamine.
See also
*
Tyramine
Tyramine ( ) (also spelled tyramin), also known under several other names, is a naturally occurring trace amine derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine acts as a catecholamine releasing agent. Notably, it is unable to cross the blood ...
*
3,4-Dimethoxyphenethylamine
3,4- Dimethoxyphenethylamine (DMPEA) is a chemical compound of the phenethylamine class. It is an analogue of the major human neurotransmitter dopamine where the 3- and 4-position hydroxy groups have been replaced with methoxy groups. It is als ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Methoxytyramine, 3-
Phenethylamines
Phenethylamine alkaloids
Phenols
TAAR1 agonists
Trace amines
Psychedelic phenethylamine carriers