Synthesis and characterization of an immobilized phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase liquid chromatographic stationary phase.

Norepinephrine is N-methylated to epinephrine by the catalytic effect of the terminal enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). PNMT has been covalently immobilized onto a silica-based liquid chromatographic support, glutaraldehyde-P (Glut-P). The resulting PNMT-Glut-P stationary phase (PNMT-SP) was enzymatically active, stable, and reusable. Standard Michaelis-Menten kinetic studies were performed with both free and immobilized PNMT and known substrates and inhibitors were examined. The results demonstrate that the PNMT-SP can be utilized for the rapid screening of potential PNMT substrates as well as the screening of compounds for PNMT inhibitory activity.