What is Norepinephrine Used for?

Norepinephrine is a chemical produced by the adrenal glands that functions as both a hormone and as a neurotransmitter. It functions to prepare the body to act and react under extreme pressure. It is also administered as a drug.
  1. Function

    • Norephinephrine is prescribed for conditions where the blood pressure is lower than usual, such as in blood transfusions or myocardial infarctions.

    Features

    • It is also used to stimulate the body's defense response during emergencies, as in dangerously low blood pressure and cardiac arrest.

    Identification

    • Norepinephrine is a fight-or-flight hormone called a catecholamine. Catecholamines work are a component of the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that reacts to stress.

    Breathing

    • Norepinephrine is released to respond to brief periods of stress. It opens up the breathing airways by relaxing its muscles.

    Glucose

    • It also increases the production of glucose, through glycogenolysis--a process that converts the glycogen stores into glucose. This increases the amount of "fuel" circulating in the body during this imposing stress.

    Fat Stores

    • Under stress, norepinephrine also increases the body's conversion of stored fats, which also act as an energy source, as well as protection of the cells from damage.

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