ZRT Laboratory (Urinary Neurotransmitters)

Urine

Performed by: ZRT Laboratory

Biomarkers included in this panel:

3-Hydroxykynurenine

3-Hydroxykynurenine is a metabolic intermediate of the kynurenine pathway that elicits neurotoxic effects.

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5-HIAA

5-HIAA is the primary metabolite of serotonin, a chemical substance (neurotransmitter) that transmits messages between nerve cells. After it is used by the body, serotonin is broken down in the liver, and its metabolites, including 5-HIAA, are e

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Creatinine (pooled)

Creatinine values are measured to correct results for urine dilution. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. Creatinine is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and released i

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DOPAC

Dopac (aka 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid) is a metabolite of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine serves as the reward and pleasure center in the brain. DOPAC and HVA (Homovanillic Acid) are dopamine metabolites. DOPAC levels, when v

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Dopamine

Dopamine is a chemical found naturally in the human body. It is a neurotransmitter, meaning it sends signals from the body to the brain. Dopamine plays a part in controlling the movements a person makes, as well as their emotional responses. The righ

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Epinephrine (pooled)

Epinephrine is commonly known as adrenaline. Your body naturally produces it during times of stress. The hormone is also necessary for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system — it makes the heart beat more strongly, and diver

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GABA

GABA stands for Gamma-aminobutyric acid (γ-Aminobutyric Acid) and is a nonessential protein amino acid. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

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Glutamate

Glutamate functions as the major excitatory neurotransmitter and metabolic fuel throughout the body. Glutamate is produced in your body, and is also found in many foods. The brain's major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (also known as gl

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Glutamine

Glutamine improves immune function, balances ammonia in the body, contributes to biosynthesis of proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids, glutathione, glutamate, and GABA.

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Glycine

Glycine is a simple, nonessential (can be made in the body) amino acid that plays a role in the production of DNA, phospholipids, collagen, creatine, heme and glutathione. Glycine serves as a neurotransmitter that modulates excitatory signals in the

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Histamine

Histamine is a compound that affects immune response and physiological function of the digestive tract, and also acts as a neurotransmitter. Histamine helps control the sleep-wake cycle as well as energy and moti

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Histidine

Histidine ameliorates fatigue, promotes clear thinking and concentration, reduces appetite, decreases anxiety, improves sleep and glucose homeostasis, and gives rise to histamine.

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HVA

Homovanillate (aka Homovanillic Acid) is a dopamine metabolite. Homovanillate and Vanilmandelate are breakdown products from neurotransmitters involved in hormone and nerve impulse transmission, called catecholamines.

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Kynurenic Acid

Kynurenic acid, a neuroactive metabolite produced from kynurenine, is regarded to be neuroprotective unless in excess amounts.

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Kynurenine

Kynurenine is a central metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan with vasodilatory properties.

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N-Methylhistamine

N-methylhistamine is a major metabolite of the neurotransmitter histamine.

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Norepinephrine (pooled)

Norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is important for mental focus and emotional stability. Norepinephrine functions as a neurotransmitter and hormone that regulates the “fight or flight” response and elevates blood pressure an

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Normetanephrine

Normetanephrine, a metabolite of norepinephrine, is at normally low levels in the plasma. Certain tumors increase the levels and will increase the levels of nor-metanephrine. The Normetanephrine test, when normal, means these tumors are not present.

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PEA

PEA stands for Beta-phenylethylamine and is an excitatory neurotransmitter made from phenylalanine and it modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.

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Ratio: Norepi/Epi

Norepinephrine and epinephrine are catecholamine messengers that play important roles in the regulation of diverse physiological systems by acting through adrenergic receptors. 

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Serotonin

Serotonin plays important roles in the resolution of mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter synthesized by enzymes that act on tryptophan and/or 5-HTP.

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Taurine

Taurine improves sleep, relieves anxiety, and has neuroprotective properties.

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Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an amino acid that generates serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenine derivatives.

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Tyramine

Tyramine is a trace amine derived from tyrosine, found naturally in food. Tyramine has vasoconstrictive properties and can increase blood pressure and trigger migraines.

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Tyrosine

Tyrosine enhances cognitive performance, energy, and alertness, and improves memory after sleep deprivation.

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VMA

Vanilmandelate is a metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline).

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Xanthurenic Acid

Xanthurenic acid is a metabolite of the kynurenine pathway, formed from 3-Hydroxykynurenine and serves as an indirect marker of vitamin B6 status.

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