PNMT ENZYME AND THE PRODUCTION OF EXTRA-ADRENAL ADRENALIN

Abstract

Introduction:Adrenaline and noradrenaline are neurotransmitters of the sympathetic nervous system. Noradrenaline production occurs in sympathetic postganglionic neurons and in the adrenal gland, while adrenaline is produced almost entirely by the adrenal gland, but new studies indicate significant extra-adrenaline production, thanks to the presence of the enzyme phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). Objectives: check and evaluate, through previous and recent studies, the sites of production and action of the PNMT enzyme in neurons, gaining a better understanding of the extra adrenal production of adrenaline and its consequences. Methodology: An integrative review was carried out using Science Direct, PubMed and Scielo and the descriptors were PNMT AND NEURON. The criteria adopted in Science Direct were articles published between 2017-2022, review articles and research articles, while in Pubmed and Scielo they were meta-analysis, randomized clinical trials and systematic review. After applying the criteria and selecting the articles that dealt directly with the topic, 12 remained. Results: From the studies, it was found that adrenaline production occurs in the nucleus of the solitary tract, ventro-lateral medulla neurons, locus coeruleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, stellate ganglion, pre-synaptic neurons of the rostral medulla, C2 and C3 nerve, cardiac cells. Conclusion: Evidence was found to indicate the production of extra-adrenal adrenaline, mainly in sympathetic neurons. In addition, it was found that the presence of PNMT in these regions provided benefits such as blood pressure control, preservation of cardiac function in pre-hypertensive states and anti-inflammatory effects.