 Norepinephrine ( NE ) , also called noradrenaline ( NA ) or noradrenalin , is an organic chemical in the catecholamine family that functions in the human brain and body as a hormone and neurotransmitter . The name " noradrenaline , " derived from Latin roots meaning " at / alongside the kidneys , " is more commonly used in the United Kingdom ; in the United States , " norepinephrine , " derived from Greek roots having that same meaning , is usually preferred . " Norepinephrine " is also the International Nonproprietary Name given to the drug . Regardless of which name is used for the substance itself , parts of the body that produce or are affected by it are referred to as noradrenergic . 
