Aliphatic side chain of catecholamine potentiates the stimulatory effect of the catechol part on the synthesis of nerve growth factor.

Catecholamines are potent in stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in mouse L-M cells. The relationship between the structure of catecholamines and their stimulatory effect on NGF synthesis has been studied using various 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives or their analogues. All 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives with two saturated carbons on the side chain were potent stimulators, whereas those with only one carbon on the side chain were weak stimulators. Drugs lacking the catechol ring were not effective. These results suggest that the catechol part of catecholamines is essential for the stimulatory effect and that the aliphatic side chain potentiates this effect. The present results also suggest the terminal amino residue on the side chain is not critical for the effect.