METABOLISM OF NORADRENALINE AND ADRENALINE

    The synthesis of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) from dopamine requires vitamin C and copper. And the conversion of adrenaline from norepinephrine requires SAME and adequate cortisol. And the end product of these neurotransmitters is vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). Metabolites of Clostridia can inhibit the metabolism of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA). Clostridia bacteria can produce toxins that can inhibit the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. This can lead to an accumulation of dopamine and a disruption in the ratios of dopamine to norepinephrine.

Genes involved in the metabolism of norepinephrine and adrenaline:

DBH: participates in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. Low levels of norepinephrine may be associated with polymorphisms in DBH (dopamine beta-hydroxylase).

ADRB1, ADRB2 and PNMT: participate in the conversion of norepinephrine to adrenaline. Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) methylates norepinephrine to form epinephrine, using S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) as the methyl donor. Individual production and response to epinephrine levels may be influenced in part by genetic polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PNMT enzyme, which can elevate norepinephrine and decrease epinephrine levels.

SLC18A1: The SLC18A1 gene (solute carrier family 18 members A1, also known as VMAT1) expresses a cell membrane transporter for norepinephrine, epinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in presynaptic neurons. Within the presynaptic neuron, SLC18A1 transports the neurotransmitters into vesicles for storage and later release. Polymorphisms in SLC18A1 may decrease levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and other neurotransmitters. Ginkgo biloba may upregulate SLC18A1. Consider physiologic dosage of lithium orotate 5 mg daily, under medical supervision.

MAOA and COMT: participate in the conversion of epinephrine to VMA. Epinephrine is metabolized primarily by the Phase II detoxification enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in the liver, and smaller amounts may be metabolized by monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). COMT function requires SAMe and magnesium and may be affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).