Abstract
Catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine elicit many diverse cellular and physiological responses in mammals. The role of catecholamines in wound healing and their contribution to wound delay is relatively underappreciated. Articles published prior to 2005 have indicated that catecholamine expression appear to be involved in prolonging the wound healing process, leading to chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, but the specific causes were unknown. Since then, wound healing studies have revealed specific cell types that are affected by catecholamines when bound to their adrenergic receptors on the cell surface and their cellular responses that contribute to delayed healing such as a prolonged inflammatory response. For example, the binding of norepinephrine to β1-adrenergic receptors on macrophages can deter their phagocytic activity, preventing the removal of cellular debris and microbes in the wound environment, thereby stretching out the immune response within the inflammatory phase of wound healing. In this review, up to date research regarding catecholamines and their role in delaying wound healing will be summarized, specifically focusing on research which details the mechanisms by which catecholamines affect each of the major steps and components of wound healing. Catecholamine detection methodology will also be reviewed with respect to automation, ease of use, sample processing, costs, and detection levels. In addition, the connection between catecholamines and microbes infecting wounds with respect to their ability to respond to and produce catecholamines will also be presented. Finally, along with analyzing and synthesizing the research in this area, future research directions will be postulated. This review will provide a much-needed compilation of what recent findings have been made in the field.