ZRT Laboratory (Urinary Neurotransmitters)
Urine
Performed by: ZRT Laboratory
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by the nervous system to relay information from one nerve to another.
Optimal neurotransmitter balance is required to maintain proper health. Imbalances can cause the brain and the body to be over- or under-stimulated, producing neurological or psychological symptoms.
Genetics, environment, chemicals and nutritional deficiencies are a few factors that can impact neurotransmitter production. Once out of balance, the nervous system begins to compensate – which, in time, can lead to neurological or psychological symptoms.
Some of the more common psychological conditions today are known to be accompanied by neurotransmitter imbalances. However, it’s also possible for individuals to present with similar symptoms yet have unique foundational imbalances. Testing helps clarify these root issues.
Common neurotransmitter-related causes of health issues often involve the following scenarios:
Anxiety & Depression
Neurotransmitter imbalances are often associated with anxiety and depression, specifically Glutamate (panic attacks), PEA, Histamine, Serotonin, as well as Epinephrine & Norepinephrine.
Chronic Fatigue
An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters can lead to persistent fatigue.
Impulsivity
GABA, Dopamine and Serotonin are three chemical messengers commonly linked to disorders like ADD, ADHD & OCD.
Insomnia
Imbalances in Glutamate, Histamine, Dopamine, GABA and Serotonin are often linked to sleep disturbances and insomnia.
PMS or PMDD
Imbalances in Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine and GABA are often involved in cases of PMDD (pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder) and severe PMS.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
3-Hydroxykynurenine is a metabolic intermediate of the kynurenine pathway that elicits neurotoxic effects.
Learn more5-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
Learn moreCreatinine 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
Learn moreDopac (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
Learn moreDopamine 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
Learn moreEpinephrine 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
Learn moreGABA 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.
Learn moreGlutamate 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
Learn moreGlutamine improves immune function, balances ammonia in the body, contributes to biosynthesis of proteins, amino acids, nucleic acids, glutathione, glutamate, and GABA.
Learn moreGlycine 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
Learn moreHistamine 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
Learn moreHistidine ameliorates fatigue, promotes clear thinking and concentration, reduces appetite, decreases anxiety, improves sleep and glucose homeostasis, and gives rise to histamine.
Learn moreHomovanillate (aka Homovanillic Acid) is a dopamine metabolite. Homovanillate and Vanilmandelate are breakdown products from neurotransmitters involved in hormone and nerve impulse transmission, called catecholamines.
Learn moreKynurenic acid, a neuroactive metabolite produced from kynurenine, is regarded to be neuroprotective unless in excess amounts.
Learn moreKynurenine is a central metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan with vasodilatory properties.
Learn moreN-methylhistamine is a major metabolite of the neurotransmitter histamine.
Learn moreNorepinephrine, 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
Learn moreNormetanephrine, 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.
Learn morePEA 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.
Learn moreNorepinephrine and epinephrine are catecholamine messengers that play important roles in the regulation of diverse physiological systems by acting through adrenergic receptors.
Learn moreSerotonin 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.
Learn moreTaurine improves sleep, relieves anxiety, and has neuroprotective properties.
Learn moreTryptophan is an amino acid that generates serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenine derivatives.
Learn moreTyramine is a trace amine derived from tyrosine, found naturally in food. Tyramine has vasoconstrictive properties and can increase blood pressure and trigger migraines.
Learn moreTyrosine enhances cognitive performance, energy, and alertness, and improves memory after sleep deprivation.
Learn moreVanilmandelate is a metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine (also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline).
Learn moreXanthurenic 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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