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Epinephrine

Explanations > Brain stuff > Brain chemistry > Neurotransmitters > Epinephrine

Composition | Function | Dysfunction | See also

Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter. Its adjective is adrenergic.

Composition

Chemically, Epinephrine is created from norepinephrine by PNMT in the adrenal medulla.

Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla in the adrenal glands, above the the kidneys. It also acts as a neurotransmitter but is less important than norepinephrine.

Function

Epinephrine is the key hormone for the fight-or-flight reaction stress response when it is released by the adrenal gland. In the bloodstream it increases oxygen and glucose to the brain and to muscles whilst suppressing non-essential bodily functions.

In the nervous system, it is a non-selective agonist of all adrenergic receptors.

Dysfunction

The 'adrenaline rush' can be addictive, leading to people seeking exciting thrills even through illegal means such as crime.