Activation of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) mRNA expression by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) involves the 26 proteasome pathway. Values are expressed relative to vehicle control. Bars represent average COMT (with standard error of the mean) mRNA levels from three independent reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays in which samples were tested in duplicate. The asterisk indicates statistically significant differences (P<.05) in mRNA when compared with the value from cells treated with TNFα alone. TNF5, TNFα at a concentration of 5 ng/mL; Lactacystin 5, 10, and 20 indicates lactacystin concentrations of 5, 10, and 20 μmol/L.
Wentz. Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase Regulation. Obstet Gynecol 2006.