Enzymatic Behaviour of the Product of Coenzyme A-Norepinephrine Reaction

Abstract

REACTION of the sulphydryl group of coenzyme A in vitro with oxidation products of epinephrine and nor-epinephrine has been demonstrated by chemical measurement of the residual —SH groups¹. The coenzyme A–catecholamine compounds may well represent an important stage in intermediary metabolism, since their breakdown may lead to regeneration of coenzyme A and formation of physiologically active catecholamine derivatives. Furthermore, if coenzyme A is inactivated by these reactions, an explanation may be at hand for some of the physiological effects of the catechol amines. The work reported here evaluates the reactivity and stability of the coenzyme A–catecholamine derivatives in the light of their enzymatic activity in vitro.