What Is Adrenaline?
Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a catecholamine with the molecular formula C9H13NO3. It is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands and a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Adrenaline is the term used in American English, while epinephrine is often used in medical contexts and the European Pharmacopoeia. It is a white to brown powdery solid at room temperature, turning brown when exposed to air and light. It is soluble in diluted hydrochloric acid but extremely insoluble in water and organic solvents like ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. Adrenaline is a chiral compound, typically referring to the R (-) form.
Adrenaline is secreted in response to stress or excitement in living organisms.
Uses of Adrenaline
Adrenaline is used clinically for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions, bronchospasm in asthma and whooping cough, acute hypotension or shock, cardiac arrest, prolonging the action of local anesthetics, preventing and treating local bleeding during surgery, and dental treatments. It is also a research reagent in synthetic organic chemistry and biochemistry.
Properties of Adrenaline
1. Adrenaline Synthesis
Adrenaline is synthesized biosynthetically from L-tyrosine, progressing through L-dopa, dopamine, noradrenaline, and finally to adrenaline.
2. Physiological Effects of Adrenaline
Adrenaline stimulates sympathetic alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, affecting heart rate, blood vessel constriction, and bronchial relaxation. It should not be used with alpha-blocking drugs like butyrophenones, phenothiazines, iminodibenzyls, zotepine, serotonin and dopamine antagonists, and dopamine receptor partial agonists due to potential adverse reactions.
Types of Adrenaline
Adrenaline products include clinical injectables and inhalants for treating asthma and other conditions, and research reagents. Available in various doses and concentrations, typical products are Epista, Bosmin, and EpiPen, which require a prescription. For R&D, adrenaline is available in various capacities like 1 g, 5 g, and 10 g, usually as R-body compounds or hydrochloride salts, requiring refrigerated storage.