Tyrosine Hydroxylase is the enzyme responsible for catalysing the conversion of L-tyrosine, an amino acid, to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), a precursor to Dopamine in the process the body uses to synthesise adrenaline (epinephrin). The enzyme is found in the cytosol of all cells containing catecholamines. This initial reaction is the rate limiting step in the production of catecholamines. The enzyme is highly specific, not accepting indole derivatives - which is unusuall as many other enzymes involved in the production of catecholamines do. Tyrosine Hydroxylase can be inhibited by the drug α-methyle tyrosine, however it is not an affective means of regulating noreadrenaline synthesis. This drug is rarely used, but it is useful in treating phaeochromocytoma (pheochromocytoma)and also resistant hypertension.

References: Pharmacology 5th Ed, by Rang, Dale Ritter and Moore

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