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Vanillyl mandelic acid

Vanillyl mandelic acid

IUPAC name	2-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy- phenyl)acetic acid
Identifiers
CAS number	55-10-7
PubChem	1245
MeSH	Vanilmandelic+acid
Properties
Molecular formula	C₉H₁₀O₅
Molar mass	198.173 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Vanillyl mandelic acid (VMA) is a metabolite of the catecholamine: norepinephrine.

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VMA is found in the urine, along with other catecholamine metabolites, including homovanillic acid (HVA). In timed urine tests the quantity (concentration μg /24 h) is assessed, along with creatinine clearance, and the concentration of cortisols, catecholamines, and metanephrines.

These urinalysis tests are used to diagnose an adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma, a tumor of catecholamine-secreting chromaffin cells. These tests may also be used to diagnose neuroblastomas, and to monitor treatment of these conditions.

Norepinephrine breaks down into normetanephrine and VMA. Norepinephrine is one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which are found on top of the kidneys. They are released into the blood during times of physical or emotional stress, which are factors that may skew the results of the test.

Categories: Metabolism | Neurochemistry | Urine