Norepinephrine can also be secreted into the bloodstream or further modified to create epinephrine (adrenaline).

Dopamine can be secreted into the bloodstream or turned into norepinephrine via the process of hydroxylation.

Tyrosine undergoes hydroxylation via tyrosine hydroxylase to form DOPA.

The adrenal medulla (the inner part of an adrenal gland) is considered the most functionally significant area of catecholamine production in the body.

Here’s an overview of how catecholamines are synthesized:

They are released into the blood when someone is under stress and can also be affected if you have certain health conditions, by your diet and by some medications. Where are catecholamines produced? They are made by the adrenal glands, which are located at the top of the kidneys, and also the brain and nerve tissue.

What Are Catecholamines?Ĭatecholamines are a group of hormones that include dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (what used to be called adrenaline). While these are essential hormones that play many important roles and allow us to function, abnormally high levels can point to an underlying health problem, possibly due to chronic stress.ĭoctors test levels of catecholamines in order to look for signs of certain rare tumors, as well as other problems, such as high blood pressure, headaches or enzyme deficiencies.

Hormones called catecholamines act as modulators of our stress response, also known as the “fight-or-flight response.” When they circulate through the body at higher levels, this can have effects including increasing heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle strength and mental alertness.

Catecholamines adrenal medulla