Vanillylmandelic acid

A metabolite of catecholamines

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Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is a metabolite of the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). It is produced via the breakdown of these catecholamines and is excreted in the urine.

Biochemistry

Vanillylmandelic acid is formed by the methylation of homovanillic acid and the subsequent oxidation of the resulting compound. The process involves several enzymatic steps, including the action of catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase.

The breakdown of norepinephrine and epinephrine begins with their conversion to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA), respectively. These intermediates are further metabolized to vanillylmandelic acid, which is then excreted in the urine.

Clinical significance

The measurement of vanillylmandelic acid in urine is used as a diagnostic test for certain types of tumors that produce catecholamines, such as pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma. Elevated levels of VMA in the urine can indicate the presence of these tumors, as they lead to increased production and breakdown of catecholamines.

Testing

Urinary VMA levels are typically measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or other analytical techniques. Patients are often advised to avoid certain foods and medications that can interfere with the test results, such as caffeine, vanilla, and certain antihypertensive drugs.

Related pages

• Catecholamine
• Epinephrine
• Norepinephrine
• Pheochromocytoma
• Neuroblastoma

Vanillylmandelic_acid

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  Vanillylmandelic acid structure
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  Noradrenaline breakdown pathway