Tetrahydrobiopterin vs Biopterin - What's the difference?
tetrahydrobiopterin | biopterin |
(biochemistry) A naturally-occurring nutrient and essential cofactor of the three aromatic amino acid hydroxylase enzymes, used in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and nitric oxide.
A coenzyme produced within the body, an oxidized degradation product of tetrahydrobiopterin. Defects in biopterin synthesis or regeneration can cause a form of hyperphenylalaninemia, and biopterin deficiency has been associated with dystonia and rabies.