Pyrocatechols with an alkylamine side chain; examples of biochemical interest are epinephrine, norepinephrine, and l-dopa. C. are major elements in responses to stress.
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pl. n.
a group of physiologically important substances, including adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine, having various different roles (mainly as neurotransmitter) in the functioning of the sympathetic and central nervous systems. Chemically, all contain a benzene ring with adjacent hydroxyl groups (catechol) and an amine group on a side chain. Catecholamines act at both alpha (a) and beta (b) adrenergic receptor sites.
Medical dictionary. 2011.