THE norepinephrine is a catecholamine, that is, it is part of a group of hormones amine synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine. It is produced by the adrenal medulla and acts in short-term stress situations. It is also synthesized in the nervous system and in this case, acts as a neurotransmitter, exerting an excitatory role in the autonomic nervous system.
It is noteworthy that norepinephrine, along with other neurotransmitters, seems to be associated with problems such as depression and mania. Depression is linked to a deficit of these neurotransmitters, and mania with its excess.
Read too:Depression — why is this disease so serious?
What is norepinephrine?
Norepinephrine, also called norepinephrine, is a hormone of the catecholaminese family, precursor of adrenaline. It is synthesized in the adrenal medulla in response to short-term stress, such as a situation of danger or pleasure. It is also worth noting that norepinephrine is also produced in the nervous system, in which case it is a neurotransmitter.
What is the function of norepinephrine?
Norepinephrine has different functions, acting, for example:
- in increasing the availability of energy for immediate use by the body;
- in the break of glycogen at the liver and skeletal muscle;
- in the release of fatty acids by fat cells.
so much to glucose how much fatty acids can be used by cells to produce energy.
Noradrenaline also acts promoting a higher oxygen delivery rate to the cells, as it acts on the dilation of the bronchioles and increase the heartbeat. It also has the ability to raise blood pressure through generalized peripheral vasoconstriction. she is too memory related.
Read too: dopamine — neurotransmitter linked to mood and pleasure
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What is the relationship between norepinephrine and adrenaline?
THE norepinephrine is the precursor of adrenaline, both being catecholamines. In response to short-term stress, both adrenaline and noradrenaline are synthesized by the adrenal medulla. In these situations, these hormones act, for example, promoting the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, increasing the breathing rate, raising blood pressure and also the metabolic rate.
Norepinephrine has a primary effect on blood pressure control, while adrenaline has a stronger effect on metabolic rates and the heart. Both norepinephrine and epinephrine are also produced in the nervous system, acting in this location as neurotransmitters. It is also worth noting that adrenaline and norepinephrine have therapeutic use. Adrenaline is used, for example, as a cardiac stimulant, and noradrenaline, in the treatment of septic shock.
What is noradrenaline for in the ICU?
Norepinephrine is a substance that has several therapeutic indications. Thanks to its vasopressor effect (it promotes the constriction of the muscles of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure), it is used, for example, in septic shock treatment, a serious health condition that occurs as a result of sepsis and can lead to death. In these situations, norepinephrine acts by increasing pressure in hypotensive patients. This substance is also used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers because of its vasoconstrictor role.
Read too: infarction — one of the leading causes of death in our country
What is the relationship between norepinephrine and depression?
THE depression it is an extremely serious health problem that presents as some of its symptoms the mood depressive, lack of motivation, pessimism and decreased pleasure in activities that previously they caused joy. Depression is related, among other factors, to changes in our neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In patients with depressive symptoms, there is a decrease in these hormones in the synaptic cleft.
It is noteworthy that not only the reduction of neurotransmitter levels is harmful. O norepinephrine increase, for example, it can also cause problems. One of the hypotheses for the development of mania it would be an excess of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. In mania, unlike depression, the patient presents an expansive or euphoric mood, has increased energy, restlessness and increased performance of activities, such as the beginning of various projects. Mania is one of the typical forms of bipolar disorder.
It is important to make clear that depression and mania are problems that need medical help. Do not hesitate to seek professional assistance in these cases!
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
