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Chemical compound
3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT), also known as 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenethylamine, is a human trace amine and the major metabolite of the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine. It is formed by the introduction of a methyl group to dopamine by the enzyme catechol-"O"-methyltransferase (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.
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.
Biological activity.
Originally thought to be physiologically inactive, 3-MT was subsequently found to act as an agonist of the rodent and human TAAR1. 3-MT can induce weak hyperlocomotion in mice and this effect is partially attenuated in TAAR1 knockout mice.
References.
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