What Are Catecholamines, and What Do They Do?
Examples Are Dopamine and AdrenalineMedically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MDMedically reviewed by Danielle Weiss, MDCatecholamines, like adrenaline and dopamine, are chemical messengers released in response to emotional or physical stress. Catecholamines prepare the body to take action. High or low levels can cause or signal medical issues.This article explains how catecholamines function, what high or low levels may indicate, ways a healthcare provider may test your catecholamine levels, and prognosis.
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How Do Catecholamines Function?Catecholamines serve essential functions, described below.DopamineDopamine is one of the “feel good hormones” and is associated with the pleasure part of the brain. It is produced in a two-step process that occurs in the base of the brain.Dopamine plays a role in:Feelings of motivation, reward, punishmentPain processingHeart rateBlood pressureSleepVoluntary movementLactationKidney and blood vessel functioning
Related: What Is Dopamine?
Adrenaline (Epinephrine)Adrenaline (epinephrine) plays a role in the body's fight-or-flight stress response. The adrenal glands trigger a flood of adrenaline into the blood when something stress-inducing happens. This process informs organs how to respond accordingly.Adrenaline impacts the body in the following ways:Dilates blood vessels to increase oxygen and glucose supply to muscles so you can escape or fight dangerIncreases strength and performanceHeightens awarenessDecreases feelings of pain so you can continue running away or fighting even when injuredContracts blood vessels to redirect blood where it’s most needed in an emergency, including the heart and lungs
Related: What Adrenaline Does and How to Control It
Noradrenaline (Norepinephrine) Like other catecholamines, noradrenaline also helps the body respond to stress and plays a role in mood and concentration. It is produced in the adrenal glands in the adrenal medulla. Noradrenaline and adrenaline often work together. Functions of noradrenaline include:Increasing heart rate Increasing blood flow from the heartWakes you up from sleep Increases blood pressure Helps break down fatIncreases blood sugar Increases attention and focusAids in memory and mood regulation
Related: The Anatomy of the Adrenal Gland
Causes of Abnormal Catecholamine LevelsCertain tumors, explained below, can cause abnormal catecholamine levels.Neuroendocrine TumorsNeuroendocrine tumors are tumors that form in the cells that signal to your nervous system to release hormones into your bloodstream. Adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytomas) are rare but can cause adrenaline overproduction.NeuroblastomaNeuroblastoma is a type of cancer that starts in developing nerve cells called neuroblasts. This type of early nerve cell cancer can be found in the fetus, embryo, or in infants and young children. Neuroblastomas affect the sympathetic nervous system, leading to abnormal catecholamine levels.
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Catecholamines TestsCatecholamines tests are used to rule out or confirm rare tumors. Urine tests are most common. If you’re getting blood work to test catecholamine levels, you may be required to fast (not eat anything) for 10 hours prior.Certain foods and activities, including exposure to stress or vigorous exercising, can affect results. Foods include:Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and cocoaChocolateBananas Citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit, lemon, lime, etc.)Vanilla
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Is Further Testing Necessary?Follow-up tests may be necessary if your results indicate abnormal catecholamine levels. Genetic testing may be done to determine whether a child has an inherited form of neuroblastoma.
Related: What Is Genetic Testing?
Symptoms of Abnormal Catecholamine LevelsAbnormal catecholamine levels are those that are excessively high or low. Both situations cause symptoms. Generally speaking, high levels of certain catecholamines cause high blood pressure leading to headaches, sweating, heart pounding, chest pain, and anxiety.Abnormal Dopamine Levels Low dopamine levels are associated with medical conditions such as depression and Parkinson’s disease. In cases of depression, low dopamine is associated with decreased or impaired motivation and concentration. In Parkinson’s disease, low dopamine is responsible for the characteristic stiff movements.
Related: Depression
Abnormal Adrenaline LevelsIf your body is triggering a flight-or-fight stress response in the absence of any real threat or danger, you may be experiencing high adrenaline levels. Symptoms of high adrenaline include:Dizziness and vision changesLight-headednessRestlessnessIrritability Jittery feeling or nervousnessInsomniaExcessive adrenaline due to a medical issue may include symptoms like:AnxietyWeight lossHeart palpitationsRapid heartbeatHigh blood pressureLow adrenaline is uncommon but may impair your ability to respond to emotional or physical stress.Abnormal Noradrenaline LevelsLow noradrenaline levels are associated with low energy and lack of concentration and may play a role in depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). High levels can cause euphoria, panic attacks, high blood pressure, and hyperactivity.Conditions associated with abnormal noradrenaline include:DepressionAnxietyPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Substance use disordersADHD
Related: What Is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
Medications That Could Affect Catecholamine LevelsMany medications and substances may affect catecholamine levels. These include over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and certain substances, including:AlbuterolAminophyllineAmphetaminesBuspironeCaffeineCalcium channel blockersCocaineCyclobenzaprineClonidineGuanethidineLevodopaMethyldopaMonoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors NicotineNicotinic acid (large doses)PhenoxybenzaminePhenothiazinesPseudoephedrineReserpineTricyclic antidepressantsTylenol (acetaminophen)
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Treatment Options for High or Low Catecholamine LevelsTreatment options for high or low catecholamine levels are available. Exact treatment depends on cause, but may include medication or surgery.Pheochromocytoma TreatmentPheochromocytoma is a type of cancer that can cause tumors on the adrenal glands, which can cause abnormal adrenaline levels. Treatment options for pheochromocytoma include:Tumor removal surgeryChemotherapy or radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells and tumorsMedications to manage symptoms (e.g. alpha-adrenergic blockers to lower blood pressure)
Related: What to Expect With Chemotherapy
Neuroblastoma TreatmentNeuroblastoma treatment options vary based on age and disease severity. The following are neuroblastoma treatment options:Early stage observation of tumor size Surgery Chemotherapy (regular or high-dose) and/or radiation therapy (with or without stem cell rescue) Iodine 131-MIBG therapyTargeted therapy and other drug therapyImmunotherapy is a new option being tested in clinical trials.
Related: Immunotherapy for Cancer: What Are My Options?
What’s the Outlook for Someone With Abnormal Catecholamines?Outlook depends on the cause. Early detection and treatment advances have greatly improved the prognosis for people with abnormal catecholamines. For example, people with pheochromocytoma in the 1960s faced a 50% survival rate; the risk of mortality (dying from a condition) is now less than 2% with treatment.
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When to Contact a Healthcare ProviderIf you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of abnormal catecholamines, consult with a healthcare provider. Be sure to mention any medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and medical conditions.
Related: What Is a Healthcare Provider?
SummaryCatecholamines play an essential function in your body’s stress-response system. Abnormal levels can indicate medical issues. Testing can determine your levels and next best steps. Outlook depends on cause and treatments are available. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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