Inhibitor of O-methylation of epinephrine and norepinephrine in vitro and in vivo.

Pyrogallol inhibits the Omethylation of epinephrine and norepinephrine by catechol-O-methyl transferase in vitro as well as the metabolism of these catecholamines, and the formation of their O-methylated metabolites, in the intact mouse. Since pyrogallol also prolongs the physiological effects of epinephrine, it is suggested that catechol-O-methyl transferase terminates the actions of the catecholamine hormones.