Methodology of Studying the Catecholamine Response to Stress

This chapter discusses the methodology for measuring catecholamine responses to stress and the techniques for collecting both urine and plasma samples along with a discussion of the appropriate timing of samples.

Abstract

The catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine), as measured in urine or plasma, increase dramatically in response to a variety of stressors including emotional stimuli, cognitive challenges, and physical activity. Measuring the catecholamine response to stress is often desirable because it provides the most direct assessment of sympathetic nervous system activity. This chapter discusses the methodology for measuring catecholamine responses to stress. Because catecholamines are so responsive to a variety of stimuli, a number of factors which must be carefully controlled in studies of catecholamine responses are discussed. The techniques for collecting both urine and plasma samples are presented along with a discussion of the appropriate timing of samples. Finally, procedures for preparing and storing urine and plasma samples and for assaying catecholamine levels are presented.