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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses of a sample of body fluids (typically serum or urine) to determine one or more of a group of hormones that consist of biogenic amines attached to a benzene ring bearing two hydroxyl groups (i.e., catecholamines). Catecholamines are mostly produced in the brain, the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, and the sympathetic neurons. The main catecholamines are epinephrine, norepinephrine (also known as adrenalin and noradrenalin, respectively), and dopamine. Increased levels of catecholamines (most serum and urinary assays measure active, free catecholamines) are associated with thyroid hormone deficiency, low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias; low levels are associated with idiopathic postural hypotension. Measurements of catecholamines and their metabolites are also used for the diagnosis of catecholamine-secreting tumors.
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