Generality
Metanephrines derive from the metabolism of catecholamines, hormones produced and secreted by the adrenal medulla in order to prepare the body to deal with stressful events.
What are
Catecholamines are hormones produced in the central nervous system and adrenal medulla, which help regulate blood flow and pressure in the body and play an important role in the response to physical or emotional stress.
After carrying out their activity, the catecholamines are metabolized into inactive compounds; both (hormones and their metabolites) are then excreted in the urine.
Metanefines and normetanephrine are inactive metabolites of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline).
