Epinephrine (Adrenaline): Function, Role, and Medical Use
This article from the Cleveland Clinic Health Library provides a comprehensive overview of epinephrine, commonly known as adrenaline. It is a critical biochemical compound that acts as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone within the human body.
Key Biological Functions
- Fight-or-Flight Response: Epinephrine is the primary hormone released by the adrenal glands during moments of acute stress or danger. This triggers a cascade of physiological changes, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and the redirection of blood flow to essential muscles.
- Neurotransmitter Role: In the central nervous system, it helps transmit nerve signals, playing a role in metabolism, attention, focus, panic, and excitement.
Medical Applications
Synthetic epinephrine is a vital medication used to treat several life-threatening conditions:
- Anaphylaxis: First-response treatment for severe allergic reactions.
- Severe Asthma: Helps open airways and reduce spasms.
- Cardiac Arrest: Used during CPR to stimulate the heart.
- Septic Shock & Low Blood Pressure: Helps increase blood pressure in critical situations.
- Eye Surgery: Maintains pupil dilation.
Health Implications of Imbalance
The article details the health conditions that can result from abnormal levels:
- Low Levels: May be associated with anxiety, depression, headaches, sleep problems, and low blood sugar.
- High Levels: Can lead to hypertension, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, severe headaches, and jitters. A specific adrenal gland tumor called a pheochromocytoma is also a known cause of high levels.
The resource includes a comparison table contrasting epinephrine with the related compound norepinephrine (noradrenaline), highlighting their different primary functions and origins.
