norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯr-ˌe-pə-ˈne-frən 

: a monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₃ that is a neurotransmitter in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

Examples of norepinephrine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It has traditionally been limited by certain side effects, however, given that its mechanism of action involves increasing norepinephrine (adrenaline) levels in the body. —David Snyder, Verywell Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps regulate mood. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 23 Mar. 2024

During REM sleep, levels of norepinephrine—a neurotransmitter that drives fear responses such as sweating, rapid heart rate and pupil dilation—get tamped down. —Ingrid Wickelgren, Scientific American, 20 Feb. 2024

Adderall and Ritalin work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which help people with ADHD stay on task. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2024

Our sympathetic nervous system evolved to meet this threat, pumping norepinephrine, the flight-or-fight hormone, into our tissues. 🧬 Life Is Incredible How Did Life Spring Up From Non-Life? Bone marrow, which produces white blood cells, is one such tissue. —Connie Chang, Popular Mechanics, 13 June 2023

This supplement is formulated to maintain and support two important neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and norepinephrine. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 1 Nov. 2022

The drug, an antidepressant called duloxetine — one of its brand names is Cymbalta — increases in the brain levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, chemical messengers that can help modulate pain signals. —Moises Velasquez-Manoff, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2023

Exercise naturally releases norepinephrine, which reverses the damage stress has on the brain and reduces cortisol levels. —cleveland, 21 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˈnȯ(ə)r-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən 

: a hormone that causes blood vessels to contract and helps to transmit nerve impulses in the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

norepinephrine

noun

nor·​epi·​neph·​rine ˌnȯr-ˌep-ə-ˈnef-rən  -rēn 

: a catecholamine C₈H₁₁NO₃ that is the chemical means of transmission across synapses in postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and in some parts of the central nervous system, is a vasopressor hormone of the adrenal medulla, and is a precursor of epinephrine in its major biosynthetic pathway

called also arterenol, noradrenaline

see levophed