Corticosteroid vs. Catecholamine — What's the Difference?

Can suppress the immune system.

Act as neurotransmitters and hormones.

Used to treat allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases.

Crucial for the 'fight or flight' response.

Involved in metabolism regulation.

Used in emergency medicine.

Hormones that modulate inflammation and immunity.

Produced in response to stress.

Often administered as pills or injections.

A catecholamine (; abbreviated CA) is a monoamine neurotransmitter, an organic compound that has a catechol (benzene with two hydroxyl side groups next to each other) and a side-chain amine.Catechol can be either a free molecule or a substituent of a larger molecule, where it represents a 1,2-dihydroxybenzene group. Catecholamines are derived from the amino acid tyrosine, which is derived from dietary sources as well as synthesis from phenylalanine.

Any of a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex or made synthetically. There are two kinds: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. They have various metabolic functions and some are used to treat inflammation.

Any of a group of monoamines, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine, that act as neurotransmitters and hormones.

Any of the steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex or their synthetic equivalents, including the glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, and the mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone. Also called adrenocorticosteroid.

(biochemistry) Any of a class of aromatic amines derived from pyrocatechol that are hormones produced by the adrenal gland.

(steroid hormone) Any of a group of steroid hormones, secreted by the adrenal cortex, that are involved in a large range of physiological systems.

Any of a group of chemicals including epinephrine and norepinephrine that are produced in the medulla of the adrenal gland. They function as nerotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system. Also, any structurally related chemical substance, whether natural or synthetic.

Any of several synthetic hormones of related structure.

Any of a group of chemicals including epinephrine and norepinephrine that are produced in the medulla of the adrenal gland

A steroid compound produced by the adrenal cortex, or a synthetic analog of such a compound.

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex or synthesized; administered as drugs they reduce swelling and decrease the body's immune response;

Yes, long-term use can affect mood and cause emotional instability.

They reduce airway inflammation, which is a key factor in asthma.

They can cause palpitations, anxiety, and heart problems.

They regulate inflammation, immune responses, and metabolism.

They prepare the body for acute stress by triggering the 'fight or flight' response.

They are often given intravenously in acute care settings for immediate effects.

Corticosteroids are often administered orally or via injection, while catecholamines are usually given intravenously in emergencies.

Corticosteroids indirectly affect heart health through fluid balance and metabolic changes, while catecholamines directly increase heart rate and force of contraction.

Conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and chronic asthma are treated with corticosteroids.

Yes, they can be used to treat conditions like heart failure or cardiac arrest to improve heart function.