P-O-METHYLATION OF PROTOCATECHUIC ACID, A METABOLITE OF EPINEPHRINE AND NOREPINEPHRINE, IN PERFUSED RAT LIVER

O-methylation by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6) is an important pathway for biological degradation of catecholamines. In the healthy organism this enzyme is known to catalyse the methylation of the meta hydroxyl group of catecholamines and their metabolites.