Adrenaline: Difference between revisions
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'''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. | '''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 | It is used to regulate heartrate, 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. | ||
==Chemistry== | ==Chemistry== | ||
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==The Adrenergic System== | ==The Adrenergic System== | ||
The adrenergic receptors exhibit both excitatory and inhibitory [[neurone#neurotransmission|neurotransmission]] | 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<sub>(1 or 2)</sub> and β<sub>(1-3)</sub>. | ||
===Drugs targeting the adrenergic system=== | ===Drugs targeting the adrenergic system=== | ||
*'''Direct-acting Agonists''' | *'''Direct-acting Agonists''' | ||
Many drugs have direct action upon the adrenergic system | Many drugs have direct action upon the adrenergic system where they have action upon the adrenergic receptors themselves. These include antihypertensives (to reduce blood pressure), sedatives and muscle relaxants. | ||
*'''Indirect-acting Agonists''' | *'''Indirect-acting Agonists''' | ||
Revision as of 08:28, 27 March 2014
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 heartrate, 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.
Chemistry
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 neurotransmission and are located throughout the human body. There are two types of adrenaline receptors; α(1 or 2) and β(1-3).
Drugs targeting the adrenergic system
- Direct-acting Agonists
Many drugs have direct action upon the adrenergic system where they have action upon the adrenergic receptors themselves. These include antihypertensives (to reduce blood pressure), sedatives and muscle relaxants.
- Indirect-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
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.