Norepinephrine (also called noradrenaline) is one of the catecholamines. Catecholamines are hormones made by the adrenal glands. The three catecholamines are epinephrine (adrenalin), norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Norepinephrine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that acts as both a stress hormone and neurotransmitter (a substance that sends signals between nerve cells).
It’s released into the blood as a stress hormone when the brain perceives that a stressful event has occurred.
As part of the body’s response to stress, norepinephrine affects the way the brain pays attention and responds to events. It can also do the following:
- increase blood sugar levels
- increase heart rate
- increase contractility
Norepinephrine can also cause your blood vessels to narrow, which increases blood pressure.
Normal ranges:
The normal range for norepinephrine is 217 – 1109 pg/mL.
References:
- Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Catecholamines – plasma. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:302-305.
- Guber HA, Farag AF, Lo J, Sharp J. Evaluation of endocrine function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 24.
- https://www.britannica.com/science/norepinephrine
Norepinephrine
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