Noradrenaline, also known as norepinephrine, is a chemical that acts as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter in the body. It is produced in the adrenal glands and in nuclei in the brainstem, particularly the locus coeruleus. Noradrenaline is part of the bodys sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "fight or flight" response to danger.
Here are some of the functions of noradrenaline in the body:
- Increases alertness, arousal, and attention
- Constricts blood vessels, which helps maintain blood pressure in times of stress
- Breaks down fat and increases blood sugar levels to give the body an extra burst of energy to fight or flee
- Helps you pay attention and learn by sending messages through your nervous system to keep you alert and attentive
Noradrenaline is also involved in the regulation of arousal, attention, cognitive function, and stress reactions. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of some significant neuropsychiatric disorders and has been an important pharmacologic target in various psychiatric, neurologic, and cardiopulmonary disorders.