What is Epinephrine
Ephinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. It is instrumental in generating a response to stressful or emergency situations.
Epinephrine was discovered by a Jokichi Takamine of Japan in the year 1900. Interestingly, the same hormone was also discovered by his assistant Keizo Uenaka. The isolation and purification of epinephrine was carried out by them, the next year. The adrenal glands of a cow were used for the process. In 1904, Friedrich Stolz produced epinephrine artificially. Epinephrine is secreted or triggered in certain situations, mostly in the state of excitement or stress. The excitement leading to the secretion of adrenaline may be both, negative or positive in nature. External factors such as noise pollution, or bright lights can also raise the level of adrenaline in the body.
Consequences of Epinephrine Secretion
Many actions take place after the adrenaline is released in the body. The supply of oxygen and glucose to muscles and the brain is increased. There is a rise in stroke volume and the heart rate increases. Stroke volume is the volume or quantity of blood pumped by a ventricle due to a single heartbeat. Epinephrine secretion also brings about the dilation of pupils and constriction of arterioles present in the skin. Rise in sugar level in the blood is one of the consequences of adrenaline secretion. It also suppresses the functioning of the immune system. The working of the digestive system too takes a backseat.
Norepinephrine, a hormone similar to the epinephrine is also released when the stress levels rise.
Epinephrine Feedback Mechanism
The adrenergic receptors function as mediators between the hormone epinephrine and the body parts. Epinephrine activates the 'inositol-phospholipid signaling pathway'. The phosphorylation of glycogen and phosphorylase kinase begins with this activation. Phosphorylase kinase further activates an enzyme called glycogen phosphorylase. The enzyme acts as a catalyst in the process of glycogenolysis. The process results into the production of glucose.
Regulation of Epinephrine
The secretion of epinephrine is totally controlled by the central nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system and the Adrenocorticotropic hormone plays an important role in the synthesis of epinephrine.
Uses of Epinephrine
Epinephrine is used in nasal sprays and in different therapies. The hormone can be injected into the muscles, veins and also in the spinal column.
The term 'adrenaline junkie' is used in America to describe people who enjoy stressful activities, which release epinephrine. The adrenaline rush gives them a 'high'. Thus, doing stressful activities like adventure sports may turn into an addiction for these people.
The hormone, epinephrine is an important hormone necessary for the smooth functioning of our body. It helps in countering the stress experienced by the body and in turns signals the nervous system to act immediately. Acting quickly in times of emergency is possible only because the hormone helps in generating energy in the form of glucose. Thus, after studying the various aspects of this hormone, we can say that epinephrine is one of the vital fluids necessary for life.
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