Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is a neurotransmitter and hormone produced by the adrenal glands and sympathetic nervous system. It plays a critical role in the “fight or flight” response, which is the body’s response to stress or danger.
In the nervous system, norepinephrine acts as a neurotransmitter, transmitting signals between nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It is involved in a variety of functions, including attention, arousal, and mood regulation.
As a hormone, norepinephrine is released into the bloodstream by the adrenal glands and acts on various organs throughout the body, including the heart, blood vessels, and lungs. It helps to increase heart rate, constrict blood vessels, and dilate the airways, all of which are important for the body’s response to stress.
Norepinephrine is also used in the medical field as a medication to treat low blood pressure, heart failure, and septic shock. In these cases, it is given intravenously to help increase blood pressure and improve organ function.
