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Theresa, COMT is an enzyme which is part of a secondary metabolic pathway for l-DOPA. In this pathway the enzyme is deactivated by Comtan. When one takes L-DOPA a portion is metabolized by this pathway before it has the chance to enter the brain (Crossing the blood-brain barrier) and to become dopamine. To reach higher L-DOPA levels in the blood (and then in the brain) and there has to be more L-DOPA to become dopamine. The Comtan binds with the enzyme COMT and inactivates the metabolic pathway. If there were no Comtan or levodopa a number of amines including catacholamines such as norepinepherine seratonin and dopamine exist in the peripheral circulation most of which utilize the COMT pathway. Each has other pathways for being metabolized (just as L-DOPA has a primary pathway that is blocked by carbidopa) and therefore do not build up. I hope this gives you a clearer picture rather than add to your confusion. When I took Comtan during its testing, my dyskinesia increased significantly indicating that I was experiencing increased availability of DOPAMINE. My off times decreased however. Charlie ----- Original Message ----- From: "Teresa V. Bohuszewicz" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2000 1:37 PM Subject: Purpose of COMT enzyme? > I know that Comtan binds with the COMT enzyme so that the enzyme is not able > to bind with levodopa. What normally binds with the enzyme that is now > taken over by the Comtan? In other words if a PWP is not taking Comtan or > levodopa what would be the purpose of the COMT enzyme? > > Someone on this list mentioned it a few months ago but I can't remember what > it is? > > Teresa, Daughter of Mama (57/43/38)