Catecholamines and their action. Catecholamines serve for stable intercellular communication

A blood test for catecholamines determines their levels in the blood. Your doctor most likely ordered a catecholamine blood test because you may have pheochromocytoma.

This is a tumor that grows on the adrenal gland, where catecholamines are released. Most pheochromocytomas are benign, but it is important to remove them so they do not interfere with normal adrenal function.

What is a catecholamine blood test?

The test measures the amount of the hormones adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine in the blood. Catecholamines are produced by nerve tissue, the brain and the adrenal glands and also help the body respond to stress or fear and prepare it for appropriate reactions in similar situation. The adrenal glands secrete a large number of catecholamines as a response to stress.

The main ones of these substances are adrenaline, norepinephrine (norepinephrine), dopamine. They are broken down into vanillimandial acid, metanephrine and normetanephrine. Metanephrine and normetanephrine can be measured during the test.

Catecholamines increase heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle strength, mental activity, the amount of blood flowing to the main organs (brain, heart and kidneys). They also reduce the amount of blood entering the skin and intestines. Some rare tumors(like pheochromocytoma) can provoke a sharp increase catecholamines in the blood. It causes high blood pressure, excessive sweating, headaches, rapid heartbeat, tremors.

When to take a catecholamine test?

There are a number of symptoms that require you to see a doctor. If the attending doctor already has specific suspicions of the disease, he may also refer the patient for a blood test. The main reasons to test your blood for catecholamines:

• high blood pressure;
• fast, unusually heavy heartbeat;
• heavy sweating;
• severe headaches during long period time;
• pale skin, unexplained loss weight;
• feeling unusually scared for no reason or feeling very anxious.

If a child is suspected of having cancer of the nervous system, he will also complain of some pain. Most often this is pain in the abdomen, chest, back and bones. The child may have a rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, dark circles around the eyes - all these are the first signs that there is a serious malfunction in the body. Taken together, these symptoms are a reason to donate blood for catecholamines.

How is the analysis carried out?

Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The test results may be incorrect if you do not follow the advice. The healthcare provider will take a small sample of blood from your veins. You should sit or lie quietly for half an hour before the procedure begins.

The doctor will need to tie a tourniquet around your upper arm and find a vein large enough to insert a small needle. Then disinfect the area around it so that germs do not enter the bloodstream and insert a needle connected to a small bottle. Your blood is collected in a vial and sent to a diagnostic laboratory for accurate testing.

Sometimes the doctor who takes the blood sample will make a puncture in one of the veins on the back of your arm, rather than inside your elbow. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 10 hours before this test, and not to smoke for 4 hours before the blood test. Many medications can change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take.

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as medications for blood pressure. You should not take cold or allergy medications, including aspirin or over-the-counter tablets, for 2 weeks before the test. Since even a small amount of stress affects catecholamines in the blood.

The level of this hormone may increase in some people just because they are nervous about the upcoming test.

Therefore, you must always remain calm. If you are a nursing mother, you may also want to talk to your doctor about the best way to this procedure.

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Pros and cons of the procedure

The most important and main advantage of this testing is that it will help confirm diseases that do not manifest themselves. If you detect them in time, there is a chance to get rid of them quickly. If the disease is neglected, the chances of recovery are significantly reduced.

The disadvantage of taking the test is that the procedure itself can cause stress, and this, in turn, will increase catecholamine levels.

Be sure to warm up after your blood test (such as drinking warm tea) because cold temperatures can increase catecholamine levels. If you feel very cold, take a blanket. Talk to your doctor about any concerns about testing, its risks, how it will be done, or how meaningful the results will be.

Efficiency of blood test

Most often, a catecholamine blood test is done to diagnose a tumor in the adrenal gland called pheochromocytoma. Catecholamine levels in the blood can change quickly, so it can be difficult to find high values in one blood sample. But a special compound, metanephrine, can be detected in the blood, which may indicate the development of pheochromocytoma.

Doctors may want to additionally do a urine test that measures catecholamine levels over a 24-hour period.

This procedure is very effective during examination children's health. Family doctor may recommend a catecholamine blood test for your child if neuroblastoma, which is a common childhood cancer, is suspected younger age.

According to statistics, 14% of cancer cases in children under 5 years of age are neuroblastomas. The sooner a child is diagnosed with neuroblastoma and begins treatment, the greater the chance of a full recovery.

Catecholamine levels are usually low, but they can be increased by hormonal tumors known as Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas. Although these types of tumors are usually benign, the excess hormones they produce can cause:

• hypertension;
• severe headaches;
• anxiety;
• sweating;
• nausea;
• rapid heartbeat and tingling in the arms and legs.

If left untreated, they can lead to kidney damage, heart disease and increased risk heart attack or stroke.

This test is usually ordered when a person has symptoms of excess catecholamine production to determine whether a tumor is the cause of their condition.

For people experiencing unusual attacks of hypertension, the most best time for analysis - during or immediately after such an attack. Blood donation for catecholamines may be necessary as a result of irregular metanephrine test results. Because a number of factors, including the stress of phlebotomy, can falsely increase catecholamine levels and because hormones are quickly cleared from the body, a blood catecholamine test is not always accurate. For this reason, a urine catecholamine test is often performed along with blood testing and follow-up.

Phenylethylamines or catecholamines - what are they? These are active substances that act as mediators in intercellular chemical interactions in the human body. These include: norepinephrine (norepinephrine), which are hormonal substances, as well as dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter.

general information

Catecholamines - what are they? These are several hormones that are produced in the adrenal gland, its medulla and enter the bloodstream as a response to an emotional or physical stressful situation. Further, these active substances take part in the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain and provoke:

• release of energy sources, which are fatty acid and glucose;
• dilation of pupils and bronchioles.

Norepinephrine directly increases blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. Adrenaline acts as a metabolic stimulant and increases heart rate. After the hormonal substances have completed their work, they disintegrate and are excreted from the body along with urine. Thus, the functions of catecholamines are that they provoke endocrine glands on active work, and also help stimulate the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Normally, catecholamines and their metabolites are contained in small quantities. However, under stress, their concentration increases for some time. In some pathological conditions (chromaffin tumors, neuroendocrine tumors), a huge amount of these active substances is formed. Tests can detect them in blood and urine. In this case, the following symptoms appear:

• increased blood pressure for a short or long period;
• very severe headaches;
• trembling in the body;
• increased sweating;
• prolonged anxiety;
• nausea;
• slight tingling in the limbs.

It is considered an effective method for treating tumors surgery aimed at its removal. As a result, catecholamine levels decrease and symptoms decrease or disappear.

Mechanism of action

The effect is to activate membrane receptors located in the cellular tissue of target organs. Further, protein molecules, changing, trigger intracellular reactions, due to which a physiological response is formed. Hormonal substances produced by the adrenal glands and thyroid gland, increase the sensitivity of receptors to norepinephrine and adrenaline.

These hormonal substances affect the following types of brain activity:

• aggressiveness;
• mood;
• emotional stability;
• reproduction and assimilation of information;
• quick thinking;
• participate in shaping behavior.

In addition, catecholamines provide energy to the body. A high concentration of this complex of hormones in children leads to their mobility and cheerfulness. As the child grows older, the production of catecholamines decreases and the child becomes more reserved, intense mental activity decreases somewhat, possibly worsening mood. By stimulating the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, catecholamines help increase activity endocrine glands. Intense physical or mental stress, which increases the heart rate and body temperature, leads to an increase in catecholamines in the bloodstream. The complex of these active substances acts rapidly.

Types of catecholamines

Catecholamines - what are they? These are biologically active substances that, due to their instant response, allow the individual’s body to work ahead of the curve.

1. Norepinephrine. This substance has another name - the hormone of aggression or rage, since when it enters the bloodstream, it provokes irritability and increased muscle mass bodies. The amount of this substance is directly related to large physical overloads, stressful situations, or allergic reactions. Excess norepinephrine, having a constricting effect on blood vessels, has a direct effect on the speed of circulation and blood volume. The person's face takes on a red tint.
2. Adrenalin. The second name is the fear hormone. Its concentration increases with excessive worries, stress, both physical and mental, as well as with severe fear. This hormonal substance is formed from norepinephrine and dopamine. Adrenaline, constricting blood vessels, provokes an increase in blood pressure and affects the rapid breakdown of carbohydrates, oxygen and fats. The individual's face acquires pale look, endurance increases during severe excitement or fear.
3. Dopamine. They call it the hormone of happiness active substance, which is involved in the production of norepinephrine and adrenaline. Effects on the body vasoconstrictor effect, provokes an increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood, suppressing its utilization. Inhibits the production of prolactin and affects the synthesis of growth hormone. Dopamine has an effect on sexual desire, sleep, thought processes, joy, and pleasure from eating. An increase in the excretion of dopamine from the body along with urine is detected in the presence of tumors of a hormonal nature. In brain tissue, the level of this substance increases with a lack of pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Biological action of catecholamines

Adrenaline significantly affects cardiac activity: it increases the conductivity, excitability and contractility of the myocardial muscle. Under the influence of this substance, blood pressure increases, and also increases:

• strength and heart rate;
• minute and systolic blood volume.

Excessive concentration of adrenaline can provoke:

• arrhythmia;
• V in rare cases ventricular fibrillation;
• disruption of oxidation processes in the heart muscle;
• changes in metabolic processes in the myocardium, up to dystrophic changes.

Unlike adrenaline, norepinephrine does not have a significant effect on cardiac activity and causes a decrease in heart rate.

Both hormonal substances:

• They have a vasoconstrictor effect on the skin, lungs and spleen. In adrenaline this process is more pronounced.
• Expand coronary arteries stomach and heart, while the effect of norepinephrine on the coronary arteries is stronger.
• Play a role in metabolic processes body. Adrenaline has the predominant effect.
• Helps reduce muscle tone in the gallbladder, uterus, bronchi, and intestines. Norepinephrine is less active in this case.
• They cause a decrease in eosinophils and an increase in neutrophils in the blood.

In what cases is a urine test prescribed?

Analysis of catecholamines in urine makes it possible to identify disorders that, due to pathological processes lead to violation normal functioning body. The causes of failures can be various serious illnesses. This type is prescribed laboratory research in the following cases:

1. To monitor therapy in the treatment of chromaffin tumors.
2. In case of neuroendocrine or detected adrenal neoplasm, or genetic predisposition to tumor formation.
3. For hypertension that cannot be treated.
4. Presence of hypertension with constant headache, rapid heart rate and increased sweating.
5. Suspicion of a chromaffin neoplasm.

Preparing for a urine test

Determination of catecholamines helps confirm the presence of pathological processes in the human body, for example, high blood pressure and cancer, as well as verify the effectiveness of treatment for pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma. For accurate analysis results, you should undergo preparation, which consists of the following:

• Do not take two weeks before the procedure medicines, affecting the increased release of norepinephrine from the endings of adrenergic nerves, in consultation with the treating doctor.
• Do not take medications that have a diuretic effect for two days. Exclude tea, coffee, alcohol-containing drinks, cocoa, beer, as well as cheese, avocados and other exotic vegetables and fruits, all legumes, nuts, chocolate, all products that contain vanillin.
• During the day and during the period of daily urine collection, avoid any overexertion and avoid smoking.

Immediately before collecting urine for catecholamine analysis, perform genital hygiene. Biological material is collected three times a day. The first morning portion is not taken. Three hours after this, urine is collected, the second time - after six and then, after 12 hours. Before being sent to the laboratory, the collected biomaterial is stored in a sterile container placed in a special box or refrigerator at a certain temperature. The time of the first and last emptying is indicated on the urine collection container Bladder, personal data of the patient, date of birth.

for catecholamines

In the laboratory, the biomaterial is examined for several indicators, which depend on the age and gender of the individual. The unit of measurement for hormones is mcg/day; each type has its own standards:

• Adrenalin. Valid values for citizens over 15 years old are 0-20 units.
• Norepinephrine. Norm for age category from 10 years - 15-80.
• Dopamine. The indicator corresponds normal values 65-400 from 4 years of age.

The results of the study of catecholamines in urine are influenced by various factors. And since pathology in the form of a chromaffin tumor is quite rare, the indicators are often false positive. In order to reliably diagnose the disease, additional types of examinations are prescribed. If found high content catecholamines in patients with already established diagnosis, this fact indicates a relapse of the disease and the ineffectiveness of the therapy. It should be remembered that taking certain groups of medications, stress, drinking alcohol, coffee and tea affects the final result of the research. Pathologies in which an increased concentration of catecholamines is detected:

• liver diseases;
• hyperthyroidism;
• myocardial infarction;
• angina pectoris;
• bronchial asthma;
• peptic ulcer duodenum or stomach;
• head injury;
• long-term depression;
• arterial hypertension.

Low levels of hormonal substances in urine indicate diseases:

• kidney;
• leukemia;
• various psychoses;
• underdevelopment of the adrenal glands.

Preparing for a blood test for catecholamines

14 days before taking samples, it is necessary to exclude medications containing sympathomimetics (in consultation with the treating doctor). For two days, exclude from the diet: beer, coffee, tea, cheese, bananas. Quit smoking in one day. Refrain from eating for 12 hours.

Blood is taken through a catheter, which is installed one day before taking biomaterial samples due to the fact that puncture of the vein also increases the concentration of catecholamines in the blood.

Panel “Blood catecholamines” and serotonin + urine test for GVK, VVK, 5-OIUC

Using such a panel, the content of catecholamines is determined: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, adrenaline and their metabolites. Indications for this study are as follows:

• determination of the causes of hypertensive crises and arterial hypertension;
• for the purpose of diagnosing neoplasms of nervous tissue and adrenal glands.

More information can be obtained when prescribing a daily urine analysis to determine the level of catecholamines due to the fact that their synthesis during this period is influenced by:

• pain;
• cold;
• stress;
• injuries;
• heat;
• physical stress;
• asphyxia;
• any types of loads;
• bleeding;
• use of drugs of a narcotic nature;
• lowering blood glucose levels.

With diagnosed arterial hypertension, the concentration of catecholamines in the blood approaches the highest level normal indicators, and in some cases approximately doubles. In a stressful situation, adrenaline in the blood plasma increases tenfold. Due to the fact that catecholamines in the blood are neutralized quite quickly, for diagnosis pathological conditions it is appropriate to detect them in urine. Practicing doctors prescribe tests for the concentration of norepinephrine and epinephrine mainly to diagnose hypertension and pheochromocytoma. In young children, in order to confirm neuroblastoma, it is important to determine the metabolites of norepinephrine and adrenaline, as well as dopamine.

In order to obtain reliable information about catecholamines, urine analysis also determines the presence of their breakdown products: HVA (homovanillic acid), VMA (vanillylmandelic acid), normetanephrine, metanephrine. The excretion of metabolic products normally exceeds the excretion of a complex of hormonal substances. The concentration of metanephrine and ICH in urine is greatly increased in pheophromocytoma, which is important for making a diagnosis.

It is a breakdown product of adrenaline and norepinephrine; it is detected in a daily analysis for catecholamines. Indications for the purpose of the analysis are neuroblastomas, tumors and assessment of the functioning of the adrenal glands, hypertonic disease and crises. The study of this metabolite allows us to draw a conclusion about the synthesis of adrenaline and norepinephrine, and also helps in the diagnosis of neoplasms and assessment of the adrenal medulla.

Serotonin

In oncological practice, for detection with argentaffin, special type tumors, such an indicator in the blood as the catecholamine serotonin is important. It is considered one of and is a highly active biogenic amine. The substance has a vasoconstrictor effect, takes part in the regulation of temperature, respiration, pressure, kidney filtration, stimulates the smooth muscles of the intestine, blood vessels, and bronchioles. Serotonin can cause platelet aggregation. Its content in the body is detected using the metabolite 5-OHIAA (hydroxyindoleacetic acid) of urine. The serotonin content is increased in the following cases:

• carcinoid tumor of the abdominal cavity with metastases;
• hypertensive crises with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma;
• neuroendocrine tumors of the prostate, ovaries, intestines, bronchi;
• pheochromocytomas;
• metastasis or incomplete removal of the tumor after surgery.

In the body, serotonin is converted into hydroxyindoleacetic acid and is excreted in the urine. The concentration of this substance in the blood is determined by the amount of metabolite excreted.

Catecholamines - what are they? This useful material for any individual, necessary for the body’s immediate response to a stimulus: stress or fear. A blood test shows the presence of hormones immediately at the time of taking the biomaterial, and a urine test shows only the previous day.

Synonyms: adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine, Catecholamines (epinephrine/adrenaline, norepinephrine/noradrenaline, dopamine)

General information

Catecholamines are a group of biogenic amines that are produced by the body in response to emotional stress or physical stress. These include the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine, as well as the neurotransmitter dopamine (the precursor of norepinephrine).

Assessment of the level of catecholamines in blood plasma allows for timely diagnosis of hormone-producing tumors and critical conditions associated with changes in the concentration of a particular hormone.

Catecholamines are produced in the adrenal medulla in response to a strong physical or emotional stimulus. They improve the conduction of nerve impulses to the brain, are responsible for the body’s adaptation and response to stress, and activate the processes of breakdown of glycogen into glucose and breakdown of fats and proteins.

Adrenalin

It is considered the main hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. It is formed by synthesis from norepinephrine, after which it settles in chromaffin cells. The release of adrenaline into the blood most often occurs due to psychological and/or physical stress. At the same time, a person’s blood pressure rises sharply, blood flow to the coronary arteries, heart rate increases, sugar levels rise.

Norepinephrine

It is a hormone and neurotransmitter that mediates transmission nerve impulse between neurons. It is formed as a result of the synthesis of dopamine in the cells of the sympathetic or central nervous system (93% of the hormone), the adrenal medulla (up to 7%). By biological value norepinephrine is comparable to adrenaline, but has a pronounced vasoconstrictor effect.

Dopamine

It is the primary neurotransmitter of the central nervous system and the precursor of other catecholamines. A significant proportion of dopamine is produced by the central nervous system and only 2% by the adrenal glands. Dopamine is formed from L-tyrosine in neurons of the central nervous system and is part of the “reward system” of the brain (responsible for feelings of satisfaction or pleasure). A significant part of the dopamine entering the circulation is formed in gastrointestinal tract, significant amount Free dopamine excreted in urine is formed in the kidneys.

Indications for analysis

• Diagnosis and study of the development of chromaffin tumors that produce catecholamines (neuroblastomas, pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas, etc.);
• Determination of the localization of the tumor;
• Monitoring the rehabilitation process of patients after removal of chromaffin tumors;
• Establishment endocrine causes hypertension;
• Diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension;
• Conducting specific pharmacological tests.

Also, an assessment of the level and ratio of catecholamines is prescribed when studying patients with damage to the sympathetic or central nervous system, for example:

• orthostatic disorders (changes in the regulation of vascular tone);
• panic attacks;
• congestive heart failure;
• metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity);
• acute asthma;
• migraine;
• mental and neurological disorders.

A blood test for catecholamines is carried out to identify malignant hormone-producing formations, as well as to establish the causes of hypertensive (associated with increased blood pressure) conditions.

During the analysis, the ratio of all three components is studied to determine the location, structure and characteristics of the functioning of the hormone-producing tumor.

Which doctor should I take a referral from?

Doctors of the following profiles can refer you for analysis and make a transcript:

• endocrinologist,
• family doctor, therapist,
• functional diagnostician,
• pediatrician.

Reference values

The norm for adults during the rest period is:

• adrenaline - up to 110 pg/ml;
• dopamine - up to 87 pg/ml;
• norepinephrine - from 70 to 750 pg/ml.

These values ​​apply only to patients over 14 years of age. The level of catecholamines in blood plasma for young children has not been reliably determined. Available high risk false positive results as young children experience severe stress when drawing blood. That is why, to assess pathological conditions in children, it is recommended to conduct a study of catecholamines in urine.

Factors of influence

A false positive result is possible in the following cases:

• stress during blood sampling in children and adults;
• violation of the rules for preparing for the test or taking material;
• taking medications:
  • caffeine;
  • MAO inhibitors;
  • isoproterenol;
  • ether;
  • ajmaline;
  • methyldopa;
  • ethanol;
  • diazoxide;
  • theophylline;
  • nitroglycerine;
  • propranolol;
  • phentolamine;
  • acetylsalicylic acid;
  • tetracycline;
  • erythromycin;
  • Quinidine

Increasing values

• Chromaffin tumors;
• Exposure to stress;
• Hypertensive crisis, hypertension;
• Hypoglycemia ( a sharp decline blood glucose);
• Cardiac dysfunction (failure, acute myocardial infarction);
• Ketoacidosis (complication diabetes mellitus, manifests itself in an acute lack of insulin);
• Traumatic brain injury;
• Alcohol delirium (" delirium tremens"- psychosis due to chronic alcohol consumption);
• Manic-depressive syndrome (manic phase);
• Excitement, intense physical activity.

Important! The diagnosis is formulated only by a doctor based on combinations of all three indicators and possibly additional examinations.

With pheochromocytoma, the production of catecholamines can increase tens or hundreds of times. In this case, the level of norepinephrine is higher than adrenaline. At rest between attacks, their concentration remains normal or even decreases slightly. The study of catecholamines in this case makes it possible to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and the likelihood of relapse or remission.

For neuroblastoma ( malignant tumor sympathetic nervous system) and others malignant formations Dopamine levels increase.

In hypertension, the concentration of catecholamines increases by 2 times.

Also this study allows you to diagnose orthostatic hypotension- a sharp decrease in pressure when rising from a lying or sitting position. If norepinephrine does not increase, then disturbances in the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system are assumed.

Lowering values

• Diabetes;
• Treatment with clonidine;
• Impaired production of catecholamines (underdevelopment of the adrenal glands);
• Depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis;
• Acute leukemia.

Preparing for analysis

It is known that the activity of catecholamines circulating in plasma lasts only a few minutes. That is why it is advisable to take blood samples at the time of an attack ( panic attack, hypertensive crisis, etc.). If the attacks are significantly separated in time (for example, with paroxysmal hypertension), then the study is carried out during the period of manifestation of pronounced symptoms.

• Time of collection of biomaterial ( deoxygenated blood) - morning hours when the daily concentration of hormones and neurotransmitters reaches its peak.
• Venipuncture is performed on an empty stomach (at least 10-12 hours should pass after dinner). At the same time drink still water without salt is allowed. If there are contraindications to long-term fasting, the analysis is done in daytime(4-5 hours after a light snack).
• During the day it is necessary to exclude any mental or physical exercise(anxiety and anxiety, stress, sports activities and dancing, lifting weights, etc.).
• During the day you should exclude from your diet:
  • fruits (pineapples, bananas);
  • nuts;
  • alcohol;
  • tonic drinks (strong tea, coffee, energy drinks, Eleutherococcus tincture, etc.);
  • chocolate and other products containing caffeine;
  • dishes containing vanillin.

It is necessary to inform your doctor in advance about any medications you are taking at the time of the examination. medicines(including hormonal, vitamin and dietary supplements).

The following medications will need to be discontinued within a few days:

• antibiotics;
• MAO inhibitors (antidepressants);
• tranquilizers;
• caffeine preparations;
• adrenergic blockers;
• reserpine;
• quinidine, etc.

Smoking is prohibited for an hour.

For 20-30 minutes, it is advisable to maintain complete physical and emotional peace.

A urine test for catecholamines allows you to identify various disorders and pathologies that occur due to malfunctions in the body. The cause of failures can be quite serious diseases - such as tumors in the adrenal glands, the development of ailments associated with nervous system, etc. Thanks to the results of a study to identify catecholamines, a specialist can correctly make a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands. They are involved in the formation of adrenaline and other substances that are produced during stressful or other emotional situations. The body produces such substances to relieve internal tension and eliminating the release of unnecessary elements. This is a kind of attempt to stabilize the situation with internal organs and their systems to prevent overload.

Catecholamines are divided into different types hormones:

1. Adrenalin.
2. Norepinephrine.

The body produces each of these hormones in certain cases. For example, norepinephrine is considered a hormone of aggression. When there is a lot of it in the blood, a person is prone to hot-tempered actions and rash decisions. A high concentration of this substance leads to muscle growth. Main function such an element is the regulation of blood flow by constricting blood vessels.

Adrenaline is called the hormone of pleasure or the hormone of fear. The body produces it during periods of severe fear and stressful situations. In addition, a substance in this category is produced during the period of overcoming lethal dangerous situations or obstacles.

When a person can overcome his fear or achieve something more from his initial capabilities, for example, in a sports competition or while skydiving, he experiences incredible pleasure. Therefore, the sensations from production of this substance compared to taking drugs. Because of this, adrenaline has a dual and contradictory meaning for humans.

Adrenaline is involved in the breakdown of substances into fats, carbohydrates and the conversion of oxygen. It plays an important role in the development high blood pressure, as it constricts blood vessels in the body. A clear sign increased adrenaline in the blood causes pallor skin, in case of high concentration norepinephrine - redness of the skin.

Adrenaline and norepinephrine are involved in normal functioning endocrine system, support and stimulate the work of the hypothalamus. Both elements decay into equally are converted into acids and other inactive elements, which the body secretes into the body as unnecessary urinary system. It is thanks to the concentration of residual elements and acids in urine that it is possible to determine various pathologies and disorders occurring in the body.

Features of preparation for research

In order for the results of a urine test for catecholamines to be of high quality and reflect the actual clinical picture, you need to adhere to some rules and recommendations. Two days before the test collection, you should not consume:

1. Products rich in substances such as serotonin and amino acids - meat, fish and their by-products.
2. Any products containing alcohol, chocolate or cocoa, caffeine, nitroglycerin, vanillin.
3. Various cheeses.
4. All kinds of nuts and beans.
5. Various exotic types of fruits.

The day before collecting the liquid, you need to be warm, but not overheat. During the day you should drink plain purified water and avoid exposure to stressful situations or physical stress. You should avoid intimate relationships for several days. You should not take any medications or vitamin supplements.

How to collect biomaterial

To be tested for catecholamines, urine must be collected in a specific manner.

The sampling is done three times during the day. The first morning portion is not collected. The collection of biomaterial after the first emptying of the bladder begins three hours later, then six and twelve.

Collect the material under study in a clean three-liter jar or large container intended for analysis. It can be bought at a pharmacy. In some situations, the laboratory may provide a special reagent to preserve the collected liquid. If it is not given out, after each collected portion the container is closed and hidden in a cold place, maybe in the refrigerator.

Before collecting urine, it is necessary to shave and thoroughly wash the genitals so that any body parts or foreign substances do not get into the material being examined. On the test container, the time of the first and last emptying of the bladder should be recorded, and personal data should be indicated: first name, last name and date of birth.

Survey results

Decoding the analysis for the concentration of catecholamines consists of several indicators, since the main test substance breaks down into several elements:

• adrenalin;
• norepinephrine;
• dopamine

For each indicator, there are established standards, which are completely different for adults and children. For children under sixteen years of age, the norms for this analysis have several categories:

1. Up to a year.
2. From a year to two.
3. From two to four.
4. From four to fifteen.

After fifteen years, the results obtained already relate to adult indicators, and therefore are equated to the established standards of the corresponding category.

Only a specialist can qualitatively decipher the results of the analysis, since he takes into account all the nuances clinical picture patient. Therefore, you should not immediately panic and prescribe treatment for yourself or come up with a diagnosis until the doctor has rendered his verdict. Elevated urine test results for these hormones may indicate the development of a disease from a fairly extensive list:

1. Hypertension.
2. Asthma of bronchial type.
3. Angina pectoris.
4. Liver diseases - cirrhosis, various shapes hepatitis, etc.
5. Nervous system disorders.
6. Heart attack and stroke.
7. Exacerbation of ulcers of the gastrointestinal system.
8. Head injury.
9. The appearance of urinary acetone in the fluid due to manifestations of diabetes.

Failure to comply with the rules for collecting biomaterial due to the use of products containing products and substances that increase the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine distorts the results of the study.

Low survey results indicate disorders and manifestations:

1. Leukemia.
2. Kidney failure.
3. Disorders and pathologies of the adrenal glands.

It should be remembered that early diagnosis at malignant neoplasms allows for effective and timely treatment of such manifestations.

> Determination of the level of catecholamines (adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine) in the blood

This information cannot be used for self-medication!
Consultation with a specialist is required!

Catecholamines are special active compounds, which are mostly synthesized nerve cells and cells of neuroendocrine glands in response to their stimulation. Catecholamines are responsible for regulating the activity of most body systems - respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal.

Catecholamines include adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine. A change in the concentration of these substances in the blood plasma leads to changes in heart rate, fluctuations in blood pressure, and increased or decreased breathing. The effect of catecholamines is especially noticeable when states of shock– under stress they trigger the body’s reserve mechanisms.

A sharp increase in the synthesis of catecholamines is observed in some diseases. By determining the content of these substances in the blood, it is possible to determine correct diagnosis, find out the stage of the disease and decide on further treatment tactics.

Who prescribes a blood test for catecholamines, where is it taken?

A doctor can prescribe this test. general practice, cardiologist, endocrinologist. They donate blood for analysis in a biochemical laboratory or in a specialized department in which the patient is being treated for the underlying disease.

Preparing to donate blood for catecholamines

Foods and drinks that have a tonic effect (tea, coffee, cocoa, chocolate, bananas) are excluded from the subject’s diet. 12 hours before the test you do not need to eat or drink plain water allowed. If you are taking drugs from the group of adrenergic blockers or sympathomimetics, they should be discontinued 10–15 days before the test, but only in consultation with your doctor. The same condition must be met when taking certain types of antibiotics and tranquilizers. Immediately before blood sampling, the patient is provided with complete rest for 20–30 minutes.

Indications for determining catecholamines

This analysis is prescribed for the diagnosis of catecholamine-producing tumors (pheochromocytomas, neuroblastomas, paragangliomas). Patients with these tumors are bothered by headache attacks, severe arterial hypertension(With hypertensive crises), in which the pressure rises sharply during the next release of hormones into the blood. There may also be attacks of sweating, causeless anxiety, and development of fast fatiguability, drowsiness.

Normal levels of catecholamines in the blood

The blood of an adult normally contains 10–100 pg/ml adrenaline, 70–750 pg/ml norepinephrine, and 10–87 pg/ml dopamine.

Interpretation of results, advantages and disadvantages of the method

Increased levels of these neurotransmitters are caused by tumors (pheochromocytoma, ganglioma), stress, agitation, myocardial infarction, traumatic brain injury, severe emotional and physical stress, chronic alcoholism, manic-depressive syndrome. The decline in indicators is not significant clinical significance, but is observed in anorexia, parkinsonism, and Alzheimer's disease.

The disadvantage of this method is that it cannot determine the location of the tumor that produces catecholamines. For accurate diagnosis it is necessary to perform computed tomography, ultrasound examination or MRI.

Blood tests for catecholamines are not recommended for children under 14 years of age. This is due to children’s less resistance to stress. Taking blood for analysis is accompanied by emotional stress, which can lead to getting false positive result. Children should have urine catecholamines tested.