catecholamine summary

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catecholamine , Any naturally occurring amine functioning as a neurotransmitter or hormone, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. All are derived from tyrosine and have a catechol group (benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups) with an attached amine group. Neurons in the brain, in the adrenal gland, and in some sympathetic nerve fibres produce different catecholamines.