catecholamine
Catecholamines are a group of HORMONES and NEUROTRANSMITTERS derived from the AMINO ACID TYROSINE that are produced mainly by the ADRENAL MEDULLA and NERVOUS SYSTEM to regulate the body's STRESS RESPONSE, cardiovascular activity, and metabolism.
Catecholamines are biologically active MONOAMINE NEUROTRANSMITTERS containing a CATECHOL GROUP and an amine group, synthesized from the AMINO ACID TYROSINE through a pathway involving DOPA and DOPAMINE. The major catecholamines include DOPAMINE, NOREPINEPHRINE, and EPINEPHRINE, which function as both NEUROTRANSMITTERS in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM and HORMONES released by the ADRENAL MEDULLA. They play a key role in the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM and the body's FIGHT-OR-FLIGHT RESPONSE by increasing HEART RATE, BLOOD PRESSURE, BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS, and energy availability. Abnormal catecholamine production is associated with conditions such as PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA, HYPERTENSION, and certain NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS.
Catecholamines are chemical messengers in the body, such as adrenaline and dopamine, that help control stress reactions, heart activity, mood, and energy use.
• Catecholamines are important chemical messengers produced by the body. • They can act as both hormones and neurotransmitters. • They are made from the amino acid tyrosine. • The three main catecholamines are: - Dopamine: involved in movement, motivation, and brain signaling. - Norepinephrine: helps regulate alertness and blood pressure. - Epinephrine (adrenaline): prepares the body for stress or emergencies. • They are essential for the fight-or-flight response. • They increase heart rate, blood pressure, and energy availability during stress. • They are mainly produced by the adrenal medulla and nervous system. • Abnormal levels may be linked to certain hormonal and neurological disorders.
catecholamine