-methyl transferase. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; EC 2.1.1.6) is one of several enzymes that degrade catecholamines (such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine), catecholestrogens, and various drugs and substances having a catechol structure. In humans, catechol-O-methyltransferase protein is encoded by the COMT gene. Two isoforms of COMT are produced: the soluble short form (S-COMT) and the membrane bound long form (MB-COMT). As the regulation of catecholamines is impaired in a number of medical conditions, several pharmaceutical drugs target COMT to alter its activity and therefore the availability of catecholamines.
British Burn Washington, D.C. In 1814, as part of the War of 1812, the British planned to attack the U.S. city of Baltimore, an important city on the Chesapeake Bay. Near Baltimore was Washington, D.C., the nationâs capital since 1800.
Star Spangled Banner History Fact 2: On August 24, 1814 the British had entered Washington where they burned the Capitol, the White House, and several other public buildings. Star Spangled Banner History Fact 3: The Burning of Washington DC stirred the highly patriotic feelings of outraged Americans including Francis Scott Key and these dramatic events were no doubt in his mind when he wrote the Star Spangled Banner History for kids. Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem he called the '' when he was detained by the British and had watched the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore on the night of September 13-14, 1814.