What are catecholamines?
catecholamines are chemical compounds soluble in water that are synthesized in the body of amino acid tyrosine. They are classified as adrenal hormones and as such are produced and released into the bloodstream in response to the stimulation of preganglionic sympathetic nerves. This event occurs in times of stress, whether because of emotional trauma, physical exertion, pain or excitement. However, catecholamine production can also be triggered by low blood sugar. The mostly occurring hormones are dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (formerly known as adrenaline). While dopamine is one of the "feelings of good" hormones that promote a sense of euphoria, norepinephrine and epinephrine create a very different experience because they act on the central nervous system and increase heart rate and blood pressure. In fact, these typeskatecholamins are responsible for starting a "fight or flight" reaction. However, it is interesting to note that norepinephrine and epinephrine are synthesized as inAccording to dopamine production products.
abnormally elevated levels of circulating catecholamines may indicate the toxicity and presence of medical disorder. For example, unusually high levels may be caused by a lack of monoamine oxidase A, reagents that naturally degrade these hormones within minutes of release. High levels can also be associated with several rare disorders such as ganglioneuroma and neuroblastoma. Chromaffin cell tumor affecting adrenal glands can lead to hypertensive disorder known as pheochromocytoma. In addition, many drugs can increase catecholamin production, including nitroglycerin, levodopy, tetracycline, lithium, insulin and caffeine.
If the adrenal hormones related to the SSORDER are suspicious, blood and urine tests can be performed, although urine samples usually provide more accurate values. Catecholamine measurement receives the value of nanograms per milliliter and are out ofAdity as ng/100 ml. What is considered normal may vary between individuals and even test devices. In general, normal norepinephrine levels are considered 60 ng/100 ml and epinephrine 20 ng/100 ml
Patients are often recommended that they can do everything possible before testing to avoid emotionally charged or physically stressful situations, because these scenarios could affect catecholamin production. Some foods should also avoid several days before testing. For example, caffeine drinks, citrus fruits, bananas, chocolate and vanilla increase catecholamin. However, the patient should not stop taking any medication without consulting a doctor, although it is known to increase the production of these adrenal glands.
If catecholamine levels are found to be increased, treatment is available. In general, therapy is in the form of substances that suppress alpha or beta adrenoceptors located in the tissue of smooth muscles. These antagonists are commonly known as alpha-blockersand beta-blockers.