Adrenaline: Difference between revisions

[[File:Adrenaline2.png|277px|thumb|right|Skeletal formula of adrenaline molecule.]]

'''Adrenaline''', also known as '''epinephrine''', is a [[hormone]] and monoamine [[neurotransmitter]]. Adrenaline is primarily produced in the neurones of the central nervous system of animals including humans.  

It is used to regulate heart rate, blood vessel and air passage diameters, and metabolic shifts; adrenaline release is a crucial component of the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.  

[[File:Pyrocatechol1.png|200px|thumb|right|Skeletal formula of catechol molecule.]]

Adrenaline is a catecholamine monoamine, which is a monoamine chain attached to an benzene ring. The catechol ring is a benzene ring attached to two hydroxyl groups. A monoamine chain is made up of an amine group attached to an ethane chain. This monoamine chain can be found in many neurotransmitters, including [[histamine]], [[dopamine]], [[serotonin]] and [[noradrenaline]]. It's also found in many drugs, examples being [[tryptamines]] and [[phenethylamines]].

==The Adrenergic System==

The adrenergic receptors exhibit both excitatory and inhibitory [[neurone#neurotransmission|neurotransmission]], and are located throughout the human body. There are two types of adrenaline receptors; α_{(1 or 2)} and β_(1-3).

*'''Direct-acting Agonists'''

Indirect agonists work by increasing the [[neurotransmission]] of endogenous chemicals, such as adrenaline or [[noradrenaline]]. These include many stimulant drugs, such as [[amphetamine]], [[cocaine]], [[MDMA]] and [[methylphenidate]].

Antagonists of the adrenergic system can be split into α-blockers and β-blockers. These include anti-psychotics, anti-depressants and in medication preventing heart attacks.