Biomaterial Database

An in vivo tritium release assay of human dopamine beta-hydroxylase. 1980

R D Hoeldtke, and P L Stetson

A non-invasive method is described for estimating dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) activity in sympathetic neurons. Our assay is based on the measurement of the in vivo rate of tritiated water (THO) release from dopamine specifically labeled in the beta-position ([beta-3H]DA). In validation of this method, we have establsihed in human subjects that 1) THO release from [beta-3H]DA correlates with [beta-3H]norepinephrine metabolite excretion, and 2) partial inhibition of DBH with disulfiram (5.5 mg/kg for 4 days) causes parallel decreases in these two indices of dopamine beta-hydroxylation. Since there is a strong correlation (r = 0.89; P < 0.05) between the effect of disulfiram on THO release and the effect of the drug on [3H]-norepinephrine metabolite excretion, our data indicate that the rate at which THO is liberated from [beta-3H]DA into the total body water can be used as an in vivo index of DBH activity.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008297	Male		Males
D008875	Middle Aged	An adult aged 45 - 64 years.	Middle Age
D009474	Neurons	The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the NERVOUS SYSTEM.	Nerve Cells,Cell, Nerve,Cells, Nerve,Nerve Cell,Neuron
D009638	Norepinephrine	Precursor of epinephrine that is secreted by the ADRENAL MEDULLA and is a widespread central and autonomic neurotransmitter. Norepinephrine is the principal transmitter of most postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and of the diffuse projection system in the brain that arises from the LOCUS CERULEUS. It is also found in plants and is used pharmacologically as a sympathomimetic.	Levarterenol,Levonorepinephrine,Noradrenaline,Arterenol,Levonor,Levophed,Levophed Bitartrate,Noradrenaline Bitartrate,Noradrénaline tartrate renaudin,Norepinephrin d-Tartrate (1:1),Norepinephrine Bitartrate,Norepinephrine Hydrochloride,Norepinephrine Hydrochloride, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine Hydrochloride, (+,-)-Isomer,Norepinephrine d-Tartrate (1:1),Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1),Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1), (+,-)-Isomer,Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1), Monohydrate,Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:1), Monohydrate, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine l-Tartrate (1:2),Norepinephrine l-Tartrate, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine, (+)-Isomer,Norepinephrine, (+,-)-Isomer
D002395	Catecholamines	A general class of ortho-dihydroxyphenylalkylamines derived from TYROSINE.	Catecholamine,Sympathin,Sympathins
D004221	Disulfiram	A carbamate derivative used as an alcohol deterrent. It is a relatively nontoxic substance when administered alone, but markedly alters the intermediary metabolism of alcohol. When alcohol is ingested after administration of disulfiram, blood acetaldehyde concentrations are increased, followed by flushing, systemic vasodilation, respiratory difficulties, nausea, hypotension, and other symptoms (acetaldehyde syndrome). It acts by inhibiting aldehyde dehydrogenase.	Tetraethylthiuram Disulfide,Alcophobin,Antabus,Antabuse,Anticol,Bis(diethylthiocarbamoyl) Disulfide,Dicupral,Esperal,Tetraethylthioperoxydicarbonic Diamide, ((H2N)C(S))2S2,Teturam,Disulfide, Tetraethylthiuram
D004298	Dopamine	One of the catecholamine NEUROTRANSMITTERS in the brain. It is derived from TYROSINE and is the precursor to NOREPINEPHRINE and EPINEPHRINE. Dopamine is a major transmitter in the extrapyramidal system of the brain, and important in regulating movement. A family of receptors (RECEPTORS, DOPAMINE) mediate its action.	Hydroxytyramine,3,4-Dihydroxyphenethylamine,4-(2-Aminoethyl)-1,2-benzenediol,Dopamine Hydrochloride,Intropin,3,4 Dihydroxyphenethylamine,Hydrochloride, Dopamine
D004299	Dopamine beta-Hydroxylase		Dopamine beta-Monooxygenase,Dopamine beta Hydroxylase,Dopamine beta Monooxygenase,beta-Hydroxylase, Dopamine,beta-Monooxygenase, Dopamine
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man