Adrenaline
From WikiLectures
Adrenaline (epinephrine, from Greek epi "upon", nephrós "kidney") is an endogenous catecholamine with combined α- and β-sympathomimetic activity. It is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal medulla, moreover it also occurs in the postganglionic sympathetic nerves and some parts of the central nervous system. Its biological role is to prepare the body for stressful situations - fight, escape. It increases the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles and also suppresses some less urgent processes.
| adrenal gland | |
| derivate of the Amino acid | |
| multiple organs | |
| α and β receptors |
Chemical structure and metabolism[edit | edit source]
Adrenaline is chemically 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]-benzyl alcohol. It is synthesized from tyrosine through L-DOPA, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Effect[edit | edit source]
- heart – positive inotropic, chronotropic, dromotropic and bathmotropic effect
- bronchi and bronchioles – bronchodilation
- pupil – mydriasis
- vessels – vasoconstriction (α-receptors) and vasodilation (β-receptors)
- digestive tract – increased tone of sphincters
- metabolism – reduces insulin secretion, stimulates glycogenolysis and glycolysis
Links[edit | edit source]
Related articles[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- Online Medical Dictionary. Epinephrine [online]. [cit. 2011-10-26]. <https://www.online-medical-dictionary.org/omd.asp?q=Epinephrine>.
- Wikipedie - otevřená encyklopedie. Epinephrine [online]. [cit. 2011-10-26]. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epinephrine>.
