Catecholamines, hormones produced by the adrenal glands, include dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, and are released during physical or emotional stress. Their biosynthesis occurs in various neurons, and their actions are terminated through re-uptake, diffusion, and metabolic transformations. The structure of norepinephrine and epinephrine features a catechol group, classifying them as catecholamines.

1. Dr. P.PARTHIBAN
PROFESSOR
VELLALAR COLLEGE OF PHARMACY

2.  Catecholamines are hormones made by your adrenal glands
which are located on top of your kidneys.
Eg. Include dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine
(called as adrenalline).
 Adrenal glands send catecholamines into blood when your
are physically or emotionally stressed.

3.  Catecholamine contain a catechol group and an
amino group.
 A catechol group is simply a benzene ring that has
hydroxyl groups on two adjacent carbons.
 Catecholamine biosynthesis takes place in
-Adrenergic & Dopaminergic neuron (CNS)
-Sympathetic neuron (ANS)
-Adrenal medulla
 Nor epinephrine and Epinephrine contain
catechol function (3,4-Dihydroxyphenol moiety)
in their structure, belong to a class known as
catecholamines.

5. The actions of adrenaline and Noradrenaline are
terminated by three processes.
 Re-uptake into the presynaptic neuron terminal.
 Diffusion from the junctional cleft and uptake at non-
neuronal sites
 Metabolic transformation of NE.

6. Metabolic pathway of Catecholamines

7. Metabolic pathway of Catecholamines