Catecholamine (Noun)
Meaning
Any of a group of chemicals including epinephrine and norepinephrine that are produced in the medulla of the adrenal gland.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Catecholamine release in the body stimulates a series of physiological reactions commonly known as the 'fight or flight' response.
- Research suggests that abnormalities in catecholamine metabolism can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Epinephrine is one type of catecholamine released during periods of intense stress, stimulating heart rate and breathing rate to increase.
- When released in high concentrations, catecholamine acts to stimulate increased energy, awareness, and an overall heightened sense of alertness.
- Individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms often display erratic levels of catecholamine in the brain and adrenal glands, further complicating the recovery process.