From the Guidelines
Catecholamines are a group of hormones and neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, that play crucial roles in the body's "fight-or-flight" response and various physiological functions. The primary catecholamines are produced by the adrenal glands and certain neurons in the body. These chemicals increase heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle strength, and mental alertness when released into the bloodstream 1. They also redirect blood flow to essential organs and muscles while reducing non-essential functions like digestion. Catecholamines are synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine through a series of enzymatic reactions. Their levels can be measured in blood or urine to diagnose certain medical conditions like pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland) or to monitor stress responses 1.
Some key points about catecholamines include:
- They are commonly used as vasoactive agents in the management of shock, with norepinephrine being the first-line therapy in most clinical conditions 1
- They have a narrow therapeutic spectrum and expose patients to potentially lethal complications, requiring precise therapeutic targets and close monitoring 1
- Disorders involving catecholamines include conditions with excessive production (causing symptoms like high blood pressure, anxiety, and palpitations) or deficient production (potentially causing low blood pressure and fatigue) 1
- Understanding catecholamine function is important in treating various cardiovascular, neurological, and psychiatric conditions 1
The use of catecholamines in clinical practice requires an individualized approach, taking into account the patient's specific condition and response to treatment 1. The most recent and highest quality study recommends the use of norepinephrine as the first-line therapy in most clinical conditions, due to its effectiveness in increasing cardiac output and blood pressure 1. However, it is essential to carefully monitor patients and adjust treatment as needed to minimize the risk of complications.
From the FDA Drug Label
Dopamine is a natural catecholamine formed by the decarboxylation of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Epinephrine is a sympathomimetic catecholamine.
Catecholamines are a group of compounds that include dopamine and epinephrine. They are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes a catechol group (a benzene ring with two adjacent hydroxyl groups).
- Dopamine and epinephrine are examples of catecholamines.
- Catecholamines can have various effects on the body, including increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac contractility 2, 3.
From the Research
Definition and Types of Catecholamines
- Catecholamines are chemical neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in maintaining basic physiological processes and homeostasis in the living organism 4.
- The main types of catecholamines are norepinephrine, dopamine, and epinephrine.
Functions of Catecholamines
- Catecholamines are involved in conveying viscero- and somato-sensitive signals to integrative centers located in higher brain areas and participate in the regulation of all vitally important systems under basal conditions as well as during stress 4.
- They are also involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system, with brainstem aggregations of catecholaminergic neurons playing a key role in conveying afferent peripheral stress and cardiovascular signals 4.
- Catecholamines have various effects on the body, including increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy metabolism, as well as preparing the body for "fight or flight" reactions 5.
Metabolism and Significance of Catecholamines
- Human plasma contains several catechols, including catecholamines, their precursors, and metabolites, which have related but distinct sources and reflect different functions of catecholamine systems 6.
- The plasma levels of catechols and their metabolites are relevant to various issues in human health and disease, including the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular and neurological disorders 6.
Adrenergic Receptors and Catecholamines
- Adrenergic receptors, which are activated by catecholamines, belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors and are divided into alpha and beta subtypes 5.
- The activation of adrenergic receptors by catecholamines leads to various physiological responses, including vasoconstriction, vasodilation, increased heart rate, and increased energy metabolism 5.