Noradrenaline |
Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine or 4,5-β-trihydroxy phenethylamine, is a hormone and monoamine neurotransmitter. Noradrenaline is primarily produced in the neurones of the sympathetic nervous system of animals including humans.
It is used to regulate the brain's oxygen supply heartrate and blood pressure. Noradrenaline, along with adrenaline, is a component of the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.
Chemistry
Noradrenaline is a phenethylamine and a catecholamine monoamine, which is a monoamine chain attached to an catechol ring. The catechol ring is a benzene ring attached to two hydroxyl groups. A monoamine chain is made up of an amine group attached to an ethane chain. This monoamine chain can be found in many neurotransmitters, including histamine, dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. It's also found in many drugs, examples being tryptamines and phenethylamines.
Neurotransmission
Noradrenaline targets the adrenergic receptors in the body.
See also
References
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