Adrenaline

Overview

Epinephrine, also called Adrenaline, is a hormone secreted by the Adrenal Medulla of the Adrenal Glands from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream and is part of the fight-or-flight response. Chemically called a Catecholamine, Epinephrine, Adrenaline, is one of the most abundant in this group.

 

Adrenaline causes most of these effects by stimulating the Beta-Adrenergic Receptors of the Beta-Adrenergic Nervous System (a sub-component of the Adrenergic Nervous System).

 

Cardiovascular System

 Adrenaline increases the Heartbeat rate:

  Caution:  this can be detrimental when the heartbeat does not need increasing.

       Adrenaline alleviates Hypotension (by increasing Blood Pressure):

  Caution:  excessive production of Adrenaline can exacerbate Hypertension.

 Adrenaline constricts the Blood Vessels supplying the Skin and Digestive Tract.

 Adrenaline dilates the Blood Vessels that connect to the Heart, Brain and Muscles.

Immune System

 Adrenaline release stimulates an increase in the number of circulating Lymphocytes.  ^[1] 

Metabolism

 Adrenaline increases the rate of breakdown of Adipose Tissue (body fat) into Triglycerides (i.e. via ^[2]) as an Energy source (and is therefore involved in facilitating weight loss in persons afflicted with Obesity) - this action of Adrenaline is mediated by means of Adrenaline activating Beta-3 Adrenergic Receptors.

 Adrenaline plays a secondary role (after Glucagon) in stimulating the conversion of the Liver''s Glycogen to Glucose to restore low Blood Sugarlevels (by stimulating Phosphorylase to catalyze the conversion of Glycogen to Glucose).  

 Adrenaline can temporarily alleviate Hypoglycemia (by playing a secondary role in the conversion of Glycogen to Glucose).

 Adrenaline inhibits the release of Insulin within the body.