Failure of dopamine to produce vasoconstriction in the setting of disulfiram use results from inhibition of what enzyme?
Dopamine beta-hydroxylase, a copper containing enzyme, is responsible for the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine. Disulfiram and diethyldithiocarbamate are copper chelators. By inhibition of dopamine beta-hydroxylate, this results in less norepinephrine available to stimulate alpha and beta adrenergic receptors.
Johansson B. Carbonyl sulfide: a copper chelating metabolite of disulfiram. Drug Metab Dispos. 1989 May-Jun;17(3):351-3. PMID: 2568921.
Contributed by: Abigail Kerns (University of Virginia Toxicology)
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