4-Hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid (CAS 55-10-7)

4-Hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid, known as vanillylmandelic acid (VMA), is a significant metabolite primarily used in research to understand catecholamine metabolism within various biological systems. Its structure, featuring both hydroxyl and methoxy functional groups attached to the mandelic acid backbone, plays a role in its mechanism of action as a biomarker. In research applications, 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid′s concentration is indicative of the metabolic breakdown of epinephrine and norepinephrine, two key catecholamines involved in the body′s stress response and neurotransmission processes. The quantification of 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid in biological samples enables researchers to investigate and elucidate the dynamics of catecholamine synthesis and degradation, providing insights into the physiological and biochemical pathways that underlie stress, neurological disorders, and the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system. Through analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, the precise measurement of 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxymandelic acid levels serves as an invaluable tool in biochemical research, aiding in the exploration of catecholamine-related metabolic pathways and their implications in various biological states and responses.