Metanephrine
Metanephrine
Metanephrine (pronounced: met-uh-NEF-rin) is a metabolite of epinephrine (adrenaline), a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. The term "metanephrine" is derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning "after" and "nephrine" from "nephros" meaning "kidney", indicating its role in the metabolism of epinephrine in the kidneys.
Function
Metanephrine is produced when the body breaks down epinephrine. It is primarily released into the bloodstream and is then excreted in the urine. The measurement of metanephrine levels in the blood or urine can be used to diagnose pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands that can cause high blood pressure.
Medical Use
A metanephrine test is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of a pheochromocytoma. The test measures the levels of metanephrine in the blood or urine. Elevated levels of metanephrine may indicate the presence of a pheochromocytoma.
Related Terms
- Epinephrine: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases heart rate, constricts blood vessels, dilates air passages and participates in the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal glands which can cause high blood pressure.
- Metanephrine test: A diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of a pheochromocytoma.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Metanephrine
- Wikipedia's article - Metanephrine
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