Homovanillic acid
Homovanillic acid is a major catecholamine metabolite. It is used as a reagent to detect oxidative enzymes, and is associated with dopamine levels in the brain.
In psychiatry and neuroscience, brain and cerebrospinal fluid levels of HVA are measured as a marker of metabolic stress caused by 2-deoxy-D-glucose. HVA presence supports a diagnosis of neuroblastoma and malignant pheochromocytoma.
HVA Physiology A major dopamine metabolite used to synthesize epinephrine and norepinephrine and excreted in urine; HVA is usually measured with the major catecholamines and other catecholamine metabolites; HVA is ↑ in neuroblastoma and ganglioneuroma Ref range 0-15 mg/24 hr urine.