An amine group is a functional group that contains nitrogen as the key atom. Catechol or pyrocatechol is a benzenediol (aromatic chemical compounds in which two hydroxyl groups are substituted onto a benzene ring) with the formula C 6H 4(OH) 2. Tyrosine's chemical formula is C 9H 11NO 3 (IUPAC-IUB 1983) (that is, one more nitrogen atom than phenylalanine) and it contains a large rigid aromatic group on the side chain-a phenol side chain with a hydroxyl group. Tyrosine is an α- amino acid that is found in most proteins and is normally readily converted from the essential amino acid phenylalanine in the human body.

Various disorders result when this complex coordination is disrupted. Their synthesis and degradation involve a series of enzymatic steps, and as hormones the catecholamine's epinephrine, norepinehprine, and dopamine are produced in one part of the body only to impact cells in other parts. The synthesis, function, and degradation of catecholamines reflects the complexity and harmonious coordination in bodily systems. The most abundant catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline) and dopamine, all of which are produced by phenylalanine and tyrosine.Ĭatecholamines as hormone are released by the adrenal glands in situations of stress such as psychological stress or low blood sugar levels (Hoffman 1999).

Catecholamine are important as neurotransmitters and hormones. Tyrosine is the precursor of catecholamines.Ĭatecholamine is any of a group of amines (nitrogen-contain organic compounds) derived from the amino acid tyrosine and containing a catechol group (aromatic chemical compound consisting of a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups).

Catecholamines adrenal medulla