what are catecholamines

Catecholamines are hormones that function as neurotransmitters and are produced by the brain, nerve tissues, and adrenal glands. They are responsible for the bodys "fight-or-flight" response and are released in response to emotional or physical stress. The main types of catecholamines are dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Catecholamines act both as neurotransmitters and hormones vital to the maintenance of homeostasis through the autonomic nervous system. They are derived from the amino acid tyrosine, which is derived from dietary sources as well as synthesis from phenylalanine. The catecholamine system is involved in various physiological processes, including the regulation of movement, emotions, memory, and the brains reward mechanism. High or low levels of individual catecholamines can cause medical issues, and unusually high or low levels of multiple catecholamines can indicate a serious underlying medical issue.