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What type of hormone is epinepehrine/norepinephrine (which hormone group)

User Mir
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Final answer:

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are amino acid-derived catecholamines that play a pivotal role in the body's fight-or-flight stress response, affecting various systems including blood vessel constriction and kidney function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine belong to the hormone group known as catecholamines. These are amino acid-derived hormones that play an essential role in the body's fight-or-flight response during extreme stress. Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) and norepinephrine (also referred to as noradrenaline) are produced by the adrenal medulla and the nervous system, respectively.

They exert their effects by binding to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors on the plasma membrane of cells, which activates a G-protein, leading to the production of CAMP and a cell-specific response. Their main actions include constriction of smooth muscles in blood vessels, triggering the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and adjusting blood flow into the nephrons.

User Mohinder
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Final answer:

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are catecholamines secreted by the adrenal medulla that form part of the fight or flight response by binding to adrenergic receptors and affecting intracellular signaling pathways.

Step-by-step explanation:

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are hormones classified as catecholamines. They are derived from the amino acid tyrosine and secreted by the adrenal medulla as part of the body's fight or flight mechanism. These hormones function through binding to alpha and beta adrenergic receptors, triggering a series of intracellular events that include activation of a G-protein, which in turn activates adenylyl cyclase, leading to the conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP). The generated cAMP acts as a second messenger, mediating various cell-specific responses. An important physiological effect of epinephrine and norepinephrine is the constriction of blood vessels, particularly the afferent arterioles in the kidneys, which affects the blood flow into the nephrons and temporarily halts kidney function.

User Hydrogen
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