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Catecholamine Clearance

Meaning

Catecholamine clearance describes the physiological process by which the body removes the active catecholamine hormones—epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine—from the circulation and synaptic clefts. This intricate process is essential for terminating their potent physiological effects and maintaining hormonal homeostasis within the autonomic nervous system. Effective clearance is crucial for regulating blood pressure, heart rate, and the sympathetic nervous system’s response to acute stress. Impaired clearance can lead to prolonged or exaggerated adrenergic signaling, significantly impacting cardiovascular and metabolic health.