Norepinephrine

1. Physiological
Psychology

2. Norepinephrine

3. Topics:
Norepinephrine
Epinephrine
Serotonin

4. Norepinephrine: (definition)
 A hormone secreted by certain nerve endings
of the sympathetic nervous system, and by the
medulla (center) of the adrenal glands.

5. Norepinephrine…. (continuation)
 A chemical released from the sympathetic
nervous system in response to stress.
 It is classified as a neurotransmitter, a
chemical that is released from neurons.

6. Norepinephrine…. (continuation)
 it is also referred to as a stress hormone.
 plays a role in mood disorders such as manic
depression.

7. Molecular Formula: C8H11NO3

8. How is Norepinephrine given?
 it is injected into a vein. (should be done in
Hospital or any emergency setting only)

9. Side Effects:
 difficulty in breathing
 swelling of face (lips, tongue or throat)

10. Epinephrine

11. Epinephrine: (definition)
 another term for adrenaline.
It occurs naturally in the body (secreted by
adrenal glands) and can also be synthetically
made to be used as medication.

12. Epinephrine… (continuation)
Treating shortness of breath, chest tightness,
and wheezing associated with asthma, and other
breathing problems.
 It may also be used for other conditions as
determined by your doctor.

13. How is Epinephrine given?
 Epinephrine is to be used only by the patient for
whom it is prescribed through Epinephrine
injection.

14. Side Effects:
 Difficulty sleeping
 fast heartbeat
 headache
 loss of appetite
 Nervousness

15. Similarity: (Norepinephrine & Epinephrine)
 Both are chemically similar compounds that are
involved in the body’s fight or flight response to stress.
 Both hormones play essential role in stress
responses, arterial blood pressure, and fuel
metabolism.
 When people experience physical and emotional
stress, the adrenal gland pumps out both hormones to
prepare for a response.

16. Difference: (Norepinephrine & Epinephrine)
 The key difference between these chemicals is in
their structure; norepinephrine contains a hydrogen
atom whereas epinephrine has a methyl group.
 Norepinephrine is secreted by certain neurons in the
brain as well as the adrenal gland.
 Epinephrine is produced only in the adrenal gland.

17. Serotonin

18. Serotonin: (definition)
 a neurotransmitter with functions in various systems
of the body.
 works to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, memory
and learning.
 a major part of many popular drug treatments for
depression and anxiety.

19. Imbalances in serotonin causes:
 Depression
Suicide
Impulsive behavior
aggressiveness