Norepinephrine is ... Functions of norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is an organic compound of the catecholamine family, which functions in the body as a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter of wakefulness. A substance is produced in the adrenal gland and in the brain.

Hormones of anger and fear

Adrenaline and norepinephrine are very similar and often confused. In its chemical structure, norepinephrine is somewhat different from epinephrine, but its effect on the body as a mediator is greatly enhanced by adrenaline. The level of these substances increases dramatically at the time of stress, danger or in similar situations, narrowing the blood vessels and increasing blood pressure.

Norepinephrine is a precursor of adrenaline.

How the neurotransmitter is formed

Basically, norepinephrine is produced in the brain, going a long way from phenylalanil and tyrosine, which enters the body with food, before the creation of dopamine. Dopamine under the influence of vitamin C turns into norepinephrine.

This is the main model of the mediator formation in the body. There is another option - the production of norepinephrine by the adrenal glands. During stress or in extreme situations, a discharge of corticotropin into the blood takes place, which reaches the kidneys. Since adrenaline and norepinephrine closely interact with each other, the synthesis of norepinephrine with epinephrine occurs in the adrenal glands. This once again proves that feelings of horror and hatred are close and are born from one another.

Norepinephrine is produced by the body only if necessary. Immediately after the disappearance of the danger, its development ceases.

What is the use of a vigor hormone

Norepinephrine is the main mediator of the nervous system that controls a person during danger, physical or emotional stress. The hormone, in conjunction with adrenaline, triggers a "run or run" reaction, causing a surge of energy, reducing fear and increasing aggressiveness.

At the level of somatic synapses, norepinephrine narrows the vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases cardiac contractions. At the same time, the mediator dilates the bronchi and slows the activity of the digestive tract so as not to waste energy on digesting food.

In the first two cases, the stimulating action of the hormone of vivacity manifests itself. Not without reason norepinephrine is a constant companion of riders, stuntmen, surfers and other fans of dangerous sports.

Without norepinephrine, the living organism becomes defenseless, lethargic and passive, incapable of standing up for itself.

However, the mediator is not always produced only during stress. Norepinephrine is a hormone of joy and euphoria, well known to gamblers and gamblers. In the intense moments of the game, this hormone is released.

Consider how the norepinephrine affects human functions of the substance that occurs in the body with its excess or deficiency.

Appointment of norepinephrine

The action of the neurotransmitter on the body consists in changing the state of the organs, contributing to their greater activity and mobility, improving sensory perception, emotions and memory. However, the effect of the impact can be complex. While some body processes are activated, others at the same time can be blocked.

Sympathetic effects of norepinephrine include:

1. Activation of the central nervous system during the period of stress due to braking in the brain of sleep centers, down to insomnia.
2. The inhibition of sensory information, which allows you to concentrate only on the currently significant CNS signals.
3. Increasing the body's mobility, speeding up the pace and running, the person does not sit still.
4. Strong consolidation in the CNS areas of information, which in its time led to success - the so-called positive reinforcement and blocking of negative emotions (negative reinforcement).
5. Activation of thinking and memory quality against a background of low stress. Strong emotions, on the contrary, lead to panic and confusion.
6. Reduced anxiety and aggression. In stressful situations, a person with a high level of norepinephrine will choose "attack" rather than "run."
7. Expressiveness of bright, positive emotions arising at the moment of emotional stress (excitement, risk, joy of victory).
8. Impact on the immune system (under stress, people are much less likely to get sick).

In addition to affecting the nervous system, norepinephrine has a significant effect on the internal organs of man.

In the liver and pancreas, the production of glucose increases, which in most cases is a source of energy. Also increases lipolysis, turning fat into the substances necessary for a person.

The positive effect of norepinephrine

Improves the absorption of glucose by muscles, energy appears. Increases the tone of the body. The brain works faster, memory and intelligence improve.

Norepinephrine is a hormone of predators. In lions and tigers it is he who dominates adrenaline.

Negative effects of norepinephrine

Narrowing of the vessels causes chaos in the mind, a person can not concentrate. Difficulties breathing. There is anxiety, suspiciousness, anxiety, blurred vision, tinnitus.

In some cases, people consciously increase the level of norepinephrine, watching horror films or practicing extreme sports.

Norepinephrine imbalance

What only mankind does not come up with to increase the production of norepinephrine and get associated with it vivid impressions. Rafting on rough rivers, mountaineering, roller coaster, roupjumping - this is an incomplete list of extreme entertainments that can raise noradrenaline. The hormone can significantly change the overall condition of the central nervous system, modulating and redirecting the flow of nerve signals. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine the consequences of both excessive and insufficient development of the mediator.

For the first case, hyperactivity, increased vigor and mood, increased libido, insomnia are characteristic. A very large amount of the hormone leads to excessive aggressiveness, increased blood pressure, pulse rate, the appearance of a sense of fear and irritability.

In the second case, the lack of a neurotransmitter will cause depression, apathy, memory impairment, lethargy and loss of interest in life. It should be noted that the lack of norepinephrine in the body leads to migraines, the appearance of chronic fatigue syndrome, bipolar disorders. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are also a consequence of a disorder in the synthesis of norepinephrine.

How to balance the level of the neurotransmitter

To maintain the equilibrium of norepinephrine in the body, it is necessary to arrange the intake of a sufficient amount of tyrosine and phenylalanil. You can do it with the help of such products:

• chocolate;
• cheese;
• chicken's meat;
• sea fish;
• Bananas.

Various dietary supplements that increase the synthesis of norepinephrine, can be taken only after consulting a doctor.

In addition to nutrition, you can adjust the size of the neurotransmitter with medications. With an increased level of norepinephrine, drugs with neuroleptic characteristics will be useful.

Antidepressants will help to level down the decreased norepinephrine. The action of these groups of drugs is aimed at regulating the level of emotions.

Conclusion

Norepinephrine is mostly produced in the brain from dopamine and, more rarely, by the adrenal glands. Excessive amounts of norepinephrine greatly increases blood pressure, causing hearing, vision, impairment of intelligence. The lack of a neurotransmitter leads to longing, boring, routine existence without emotions. Therefore, the best option is a balanced level of norepinephrine and a joyful, quiet life.