Metanephrine metabolites (24-hour urine)

General Information

Metanephrine and normetanephrine plasma catecholamines - are products of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) metabolism. Catecholamines are hormones produced by cells of the sympathetic nervous system in the medulla of the adrenal gland. The primary catecholamines are dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. They are released in response to physical or emotional stress. They help transmit nerve impulses, increase the release of glucose and fatty acids for energy, dilate bronchioles to increase airflow, dilate pupils, and more. Norepinephrine constricts blood vessels, which causes an increase in blood pressure. Epinephrine increases heart rate and energy consumption by the body.

After performing the function, catecholamines are broken down into inactive components. Epinephrine metabolites are metanephrine, norepinephrine - normetanephrine. Both of them are excreted in the urine.

Catecholamines and their breakdown products are present in both blood and urine in moderate, dynamic amounts. However, there are tumors - pheochromocytoma, paragangliomas - which are characterized by an increase in the concentration of catecholamines (respectively, their metabolites) in blood and serum. This includes systemic or episodic arterial hypertension, headache, heart rhythm acceleration, arrhythmias, sweating, nausea, neuroticism, limb tremors.

Without treatment, kidney, heart and other vital organs are damaged over time and complications such as stroke or heart attack occur.

In most cases, surgical treatment of these tumors is possible, which reduces the level of catecholamines, improves the clinical condition and reduces the risk of complications.

Material for examination:

24-hour urine.

Preliminary preparation for the test

Both blood and urine concentrations of catecholamines and their metabolites are affected by a number of foods, medications, and supplements. Also stress. It is necessary to properly prepare for the test, the sample should be useful for research, and the conclusion should be correct. Before the study, it is necessary for the doctor to have complete information about the medicines and supplements the patient is taking. The doctor decides which medication needs to be temporarily stopped before the study is conducted. 10-12 hours before the research, it is necessary to refrain from such products as: coffee, tea, bananas, vanilla, citrus fruits, chocolate and other cocoa products. It is necessary to avoid emotional and physical stress.

The study determines the concentration of metanephrine in the blood. According to the revealed indicator, it is possible to discuss the probable diagnostics.