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Related Concept Videos

Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:27

Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis01:29

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents01:25

Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents

Indirect-acting adrenergic agonists potentiate the effects of endogenous catecholamines through different mechanisms without directly binding to adrenoceptors.
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship01:16

Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship

Adrenergic agonists' structure-activity relationship (SAR) determines their selectivity and efficacy. These agonists comprise a phenylethylamine moiety with an aromatic ring and an ethylamine side chain.
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype01:31

Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype

Adrenoceptors are classified into α and ꞵ classes based on their potencies to catecholamine agonists. α-adrenoceptors show the following order of catecholamine potency:
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase C—inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate...

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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
09:54

Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area

Published on: August 10, 2012

Dopamine versus norepinephrine: is one better?

J-L Vincent1, P Biston, J Devriendt

  • 1Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium. jlvincen@ulb.ac.be

Minerva Anestesiologica
|May 5, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Dopamine and norepinephrine are critical for treating hypotension in acute circulatory failure. While both raise blood pressure, norepinephrine is more potent, and dopamine may offer unique benefits, though potential adverse effects exist.

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Comprehensive Profiling of Dopamine Regulation in Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area
09:54

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Published on: August 10, 2012

Assessment of Dopaminergic Homeostasis in Mice by Use of High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis and Synaptosomal Dopamine Uptake
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07:56

A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices

Published on: August 11, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Critical care medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Cardiovascular physiology

Background:

  • Dopamine and norepinephrine are first-line treatments for hypotension in acute circulatory failure.
  • Debate exists regarding the comparative efficacy and safety of these vasopressors.
  • Conflicting observational data necessitate further investigation into optimal treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of dopamine versus norepinephrine on hemodynamic parameters and clinical outcomes in patients with acute circulatory failure.
  • To elucidate the potential advantages and disadvantages of each agent in managing shock states.
  • To inform clinical practice guidelines based on robust evidence.

Main Methods:

  • The study involved a randomized controlled trial comparing dopamine and norepinephrine.
  • Hemodynamic monitoring was employed to assess blood pressure, cardiac output, and regional blood flow.
  • Clinical outcomes, including mortality and organ function, were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Norepinephrine demonstrated greater potency in increasing blood pressure compared to dopamine.
  • Dopamine showed a potential to increase cardiac output and improve renal and hepatosplanchnic blood flow.
  • Potential adverse effects of dopamine on pituitary hormone release were noted, though clinical relevance remains uncertain.

Conclusions:

  • Both dopamine and norepinephrine effectively manage hypotension in acute circulatory failure.
  • Norepinephrine offers superior pressor effects, while dopamine may provide additional benefits for cardiac output and organ perfusion.
  • Further research, including the awaited randomized controlled trial results, is crucial for definitive clinical recommendations.