Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Use of a Central Venous Line for Fluids, Drugs and Nutrient Administration in a Mouse Model of Critical Illness
Published on: May 2, 2017
[Advances in immunomodulatory effects of catecholamines in critical illness]
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou 215001, Jiangsu, China. Corresponding author: Liu Jun,
Objective:
Immune disorders are common in critically ill patients. Catecholamines play a crucial role in theimmune regulation and modulation. Immune cells can synthesize catecholamines and express adrenergic receptors. Catecholamine has a wide-ranging regulatory effect on innate immunity such as neutrophils, monocyte macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and lymphocyte-mediated acquired immunity. Catecholamines exert different immunomodulatory effects by binding to α receptors, β receptors, and dopamine receptor subtypes on immune cells. In-depth study of the effect and mechanism of catecholamine on immune function in critically ill patients will provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of immune dysfunction in critical illness.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
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...
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
01:25Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
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...
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Direct-Acting Agents
These agents can be classified...
01:18Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Classification
Vasopressor or pressor agents: They increase blood pressure and function as cardiac stimulants. Examples include endogenous catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) and synthetic agents (phenylephrine).
Bronchodilators: β2-agonists can relax bronchial muscles and widen airways. They are commonly used for treating obstructive pulmonary...
01:28Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
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...