Catecholamine



      Catecholamines are low blood sugar levels.[2]

Production

Location

Catecholamines are produced mainly by the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and the postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system. neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is largely produced in neuronal cell bodies in two areas of the brainstem: the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area.

Synthesis

Dopamine was the first catecholamine to be synthesized. Norepinephrine and epinephrine, in turn, are derived from further modifications of dopamine.

 

Catecholamine synthesis is inhibited by alpha-Methyltyrosine, by inhibiting tyrosine-3 monooxygenase.[3]

Function

Modality

Two catecholamines, synapses of the sympathetic system).

High catecholamine levels in blood are associated with stress, which can be induced from psychological reactions or environmental stressors such as elevated sound levels, intense light, or low blood sugar levels.

Extremely high levels of catecholamine (also known as catecholamine toxicity) can occur in central nervous system trauma due to stimulation and/or damage of nuclei in the brainstem, in particular those nuclei affecting the sympathetic nervous system. In emergency medicine, this occurrence is widely known as catecholamine dump.

Extremely high levels of catecholamine can also be caused by neuroendocrine tumors in the adrenal medulla, a treatable condition known as pheochromocytoma.

Effects

Catecholamines cause general physiological changes that prepare the body for physical activity (fight-or-flight response). Some typical effects are increases in heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and a general reaction of the sympathetic nervous system. Some drugs, like COMT-inhibitor), raise the levels of all the catecholamines.

Function in plants

"They have been found in 44 plant families, but no essential metabolic function has been established for them. They are precursors of benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloids, which are the active principal ingredients of many medicinal plant extracts. CAs have been implicated to have a possible protective role against insect predators, injuries, and nitrogen detoxification. They have been shown to promote plant tissue growth, somatic embryogenesis from in vitro cultures, and flowering. CAs inhibit indole-3-acetic acid oxidation and enhance ethylene biosynthesis. They have also been shown to enhance synergistically various effects of gibberellins."[4]

Structure

Catecholamines have the distinct structure of a amine group.

Degradation

They have a half-life of approximately a few minutes when circulating in the blood.

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is the main enzyme responsible for degradation of catecholamines.

Methamphetamine and norepinephrine into the blood stream but also keep it working there for a long time.

See also

References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ "Hypoglycemia" by Ronald Hoffman, M.D., July 1999, The Holistic M.D.
  3. ^ wrongdiagnosis.com - Description of Alpha-Methyltyrosine
  4. ^ A. I. Kuklin and B. V. Conger, "Catecholamines in plants," Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, Springer New York ISSN 0721-7595 (Print), ISSN 1435-8107 (Online), Issue Volume 14, Number 2 / June, 1995 DOI 10.1007/BF00203119, pp. 91-97.
 
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