Pathophysiology- Homework help

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The short answer is that both are "stress" hormones, released in times of stress such as the flight-or-fight response. However, they differ in their actions in that catecholamines have various actions on the heart, blood vessels, kidney, liver -- and the several different catecholamines have opposite effects such as increasing or decreasing glucose levels or increasing/decreasing heart rate or constricting/dilating blood vessels.

Cortisol, on the other hand, has it most important effects on blood glucose, increasing it so that is available for the body to use during the stressful period. Cortisol also has some other actions on white blood cells, water metabolism, and has also been shown to be necessary for catecholamines to exert their full effect. However, animals that don't have the ability to produce cortisol do not survive when exposed to a stressor, showing how important cortisol is in the stress response.

Synthesis and Chemical Structure

Cortisol is synthesized and released by the human adrenal cortex, the outermost portion of the adrenal glands, located just above each kidney, whereas catecholamines are synthesized in the adrenal medulla of the brain, as well as inside some sympathetic nerve fibers.

Site of Action

Receptors for catecholamines are found throughout the body. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, can quickly increase heart rate, rate of respiration, and rate of re-absorption of water and signal other subtle changes in the body that facilitate the fight-or-flight response. The effects of cortisol can be seen only after 30 minutes at the earliest and usually not for hours or days. Norepinephrine, a chemical related to epinephrine, can signal the release of cortisol to prepare the body for long-term stress. Cortisol inhibits growth and reproductive functions and establishes a metabolism suited to quick action or future famine, such as high blood sugar and the storage of fat.

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