METYROSINE Meaning and
Definition
-
Metyrosine, also known as α-methyltyrosine, is a synthetic amino acid that belongs to the class of aromatic amino acids. It is chemically derived through the addition of a methyl group to the alpha-carbon in the tyrosine molecule. This modification alters the chemical structure and, consequently, the biological activity of the amino acid.
In medical and pharmaceutical contexts, metyrosine has been primarily used as a medication. It functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which plays a critical role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. By inhibiting this enzyme, metyrosine interferes with the normal production of these neurotransmitters in the body.
Due to its ability to modulate neurotransmitter synthesis, metyrosine has been employed for various medical purposes. For instance, it has been used in the management of certain types of high blood pressure, specifically those associated with excessive production of catecholamines in certain tumors. Metyrosine may also be used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland tumor.
Additionally, metyrosine may have potential applications in the field of psychiatry. Since dopamine and norepinephrine are involved in the regulation of mood, metyrosine has been investigated as a potential treatment for conditions such as schizophrenia and manic episodes in bipolar disorder. However, further research is still needed to determine its efficacy and safety in mental health settings.
Common Misspellings for METYROSINE
- netyrosine
- ketyrosine
- jetyrosine
- mwtyrosine
- mstyrosine
- mdtyrosine
- mrtyrosine
- m4tyrosine
- m3tyrosine
- meryrosine
- mefyrosine
- megyrosine
- meyyrosine
- me6yrosine
- me5yrosine
- mettrosine
- metgrosine
- met7rosine
- met6rosine
- metyeosine
Etymology of METYROSINE
The word "Metyrosine" is derived from two key components: "met-" and "tyrosine".
1. "Met-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "meta" (μετά) meaning "after" or "changing". In medical and pharmaceutical terminology, the prefix "met-" is often used to indicate a chemical that is structurally related to or derived from another compound.
2. "Tyrosine" is an amino acid found in proteins that is essential for the synthesis of various compounds in the body. It was named after the Greek word "tyros" (τυρός) meaning "cheese", as it was first discovered in a protein-rich product derived from cheese.
Therefore, "Metyrosine" as a compound name suggests that it is a modified or altered form of the amino acid tyrosine.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
