History of catecholamine research
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
Chemical Immunology and Allergy
|June 14, 2014
Summary
Catecholamines are crucial for treating allergic conditions like asthma and anaphylaxis by activating specific receptors. Research has uncovered their biosynthesis pathways and receptor types, advancing our understanding of these vital compounds.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Catecholamines, including adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine, play a significant role in managing allergic diseases.
- Their therapeutic use is established in conditions such as asthma and acute hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylaxis.
- These effects are mediated through the activation of alpha (α) and beta (β) adrenoceptors.
Observation:
- The historical discovery of adrenaline dates back to 1893/1894.
- Key enzymes in catecholamine biosynthesis, like dopa decarboxylase, were identified starting in 1939.
- The characterization of various catecholamines and their receptors has been a progressive scientific endeavor.
Findings:
- The existence of distinct catecholamine receptors was recognized by 1948.
- Mammalian catecholamine receptor genes have since been successfully cloned.
- This research underpins the pharmacological actions of catecholamines in allergic responses.
Implications:
- Understanding catecholamine pathways and receptors is vital for developing targeted therapies for allergic diseases.
- Further research into adrenoceptor subtypes may reveal novel treatment strategies.
- The genetic cloning of these receptors opens avenues for molecular and genetic studies in allergy and pharmacology.
More Related Videos
12:43Rodent Working Heart Model for the Study of Myocardial Performance and Oxygen Consumption
Published on: August 16, 2016
20.5K
11:26Assessment of Dopaminergic Homeostasis in Mice by Use of High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis and Synaptosomal Dopamine Uptake
Published on: September 21, 2017
11.7K
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
5.3K
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...
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which...
5.3K
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
1.8K
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...
1.8K
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
2.8K
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...
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...
2.8K
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
1.6K
Mixed-action adrenergic agonists, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, directly and indirectly affect adrenergic receptors. These agents stimulate adrenoceptors and indirectly release stored neurotransmitters, amplifying the adrenergic response.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
1.6K
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
2.0K
Adrenergic agonists have diverse therapeutic uses across various medical conditions and emergencies.
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and...
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and...
2.0K
01:29Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis
2.5K
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,...
2.5K