They are produced in the adrenal glands, the brainstem, and the brain.
In the brain they act as neurotransmitters.
In the blood they circulate and act as hormones and are broken down after just a few minutes.
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They are then excreted in the urine.
What Are Catecholamines?
The adrenaline rush you have probably felt when scared is the result of catecholamines.
If activated for too long, catecholamines can produce negative health effects.
These circulate through the bloodstream and the brain.
They act on neuroreceptor sites to create changes in the body to mobilize energy.
This is part of “fight or flight,” preparing your body to take action.
By reducing flow to your skin, there may be less bleeding in case of an injury.
You breathe faster and take in more oxygen.
Prolonged exposure to catecholamines can create negative psychological and physical outcomes.
These changes can also lead to chronic inflammation of organs and the failure of adaptive systems.
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