Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is a catecholamine that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone. It helps regulate alertness, attention, blood pressure, and the body's response to stress.

Adrenergic receptor: A cell-surface receptor activated by norepinephrine or epinephrine. These receptors translate norepinephrine release into changes in target-cell activity.
Catecholamine: A class of molecules containing a catechol group and an amine side chain, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Norepinephrine belongs to this family of signaling molecules.
Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: A drug that reduces norepinephrine clearance by blocking its transporter. These drugs prolong norepinephrine signaling and include several antidepressants.
Serotonin: A monoamine neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. It is another monoamine targeted by antidepressants, but arises from a different synthesis pathway.
Locus coeruleus: A brainstem nucleus that supplies much of the brain's norepinephrine. Its projections adjust arousal and attention across widespread brain regions.
Tyrosine: An amino acid used to produce proteins and several neurotransmitters. Norepinephrine synthesis begins with tyrosine.
Atomoxetine: A medication that selectively inhibits the norepinephrine transporter and is used to treat ADHD. It illustrates how changing norepinephrine reuptake can affect attention.
Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter used at neuromuscular junctions and throughout the central and autonomic nervous systems. Most postganglionic parasympathetic signals use acetylcholine rather than norepinephrine.
Sympathetic nervous system: The autonomic division that mobilizes bodily resources during exertion and threat. Its nerve endings release norepinephrine onto many organs.
Dopamine: A catecholamine that functions as a neurotransmitter and precursor to norepinephrine. Dopamine is converted into norepinephrine in noradrenergic cells.

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