Catecholamines: Metabolic Functions

Functions of Catecholamines

• Catecholamines, especially norepinephrine and epinephrine, contribute to the metabolic response to trauma.
• They provide fatty acids as an energy source by stimulating lipolysis.
• They increase glucose production, a vital energy source for the brain, by: • Stimulating glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. • Inhibiting insulin secretion. • Stimulating glucagon secretion.
• They regulate blood pressure by causing vasoconstriction.
• They affect heart activity, increasing cardiac output.
• They reduce hypersensitivity reactions.
• They increase heat production.

Transport of Catecholamines

• Catecholamines are hydrophilic, so they are not bound to carrier proteins in plasma.
• As a result, they have a short plasma half-life of 10-30 seconds.

Metabolism of Catecholamines

• The liver metabolizes catecholamines through complex pathways.
• Norepinephrine and epinephrine are converted into normetanephrine and metanephrine, respectively, ultimately forming Vanillyl Mandelic Acid (VMA).
• Dopamine is converted into Homovanillic Acid.
• VMA and Homovanillic Acid are conjugated with glucuronate or sulfate in the liver.
• These conjugated metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine and, to a lesser extent, in the feces.

Learn about the roles of catecholamines, specifically norepinephrine and epinephrine, in metabolism. This quiz covers their functions in responding to trauma, energy production, and glucose regulation.