Adrenaline (also called epinephrine), along with noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and dopamine, are catecholamines (substances containing a dihydroxy phenyl grouping with the hydroxy groups in adjacent positions). All three are released at some nerve terminals to act as neurotransmitters, but adrenaline is also found in the adrenal medulla and in chromaffin cells and can be released from these sites into the circulating blood to have effects throughout the body. Adrenaline is synthesized in the adrenal medulla by the methylation of noradrenaline, and both compounds are released from the gland together. Release of adrenal medullary catecholamines is caused by stressful stimuli, acting via the sympathetic nervous system in the so-called flight, fright, and fight phenomenon. Release of adrenaline prepares the individual to deal with the stress; heart rate and force are increased, blood pressure rises, and blood flow to the skeletal and cardiac muscles is increased, while blood flow to the less essential areas (e.g. gut, skin) is decreased. Adrenaline also mobilizes glycogen energy stores from the liver to increase blood glucose.
Chemistry of Adrenaline
[1]
Column 1 Column 2 Systematic(IUPAC) name: (R)-4-(1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl)benzene-1,2-diol Synonyms: 4-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]-1,2-benzenediol, (–)-3,4-dihydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol, l-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(methylamino)ethanol, l-3,4-dihydroxy-1-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]benzene, l-methylaminoethanolcatechol, epinephrine, levorenin, Anapen, EpiPen, Primatene Mist, Sus-phrine; Adrenalin, Epifrin, Glaucon, Suprarenin (hydrochloride); Asthmahaler, Medihaler-Epi (d-bitartrate); Racepinephrine (dl-form); Vaponephrin (dl-form hydrochloride) Molecular Formula: C9H13NO3, C9H13NO3.HCl (hydrochloride), C9H13NO3.C4H6O6 (d-bitartrate) Molar mass: 183.20 g/mol, 219.67 g/mol (hydrochloride), 333.29 g/mol (d-bitartrate) [2] CAS Registry Number: 51-43-4, 55-31-2 (hydrochloride), 51-42-3 (d-bitartrate), 329-65-7 (dl-form), 329-63-5 (dl-form hydrochloride) Melting Point: 211-212°C, 215°C (decomposition) when rapidly heated; 147-154°C (decomposition occurs) (d-bitartrate); 157°C (dl-form hydrochloride) Boiling Point: no data Flash Point: no data Solubility: Freebase readily soluble in aqueous solutions of mineral acids, NaOH, KOH; very slightly soluble in alcohol, water; insoluble in chloroform, ether, acetone, oils, aqueous solution of ammonia and alkali carbonates. d-bitartrate 1 g dissolves in about 3 mL water; slightly soluble in alcohol; practcally insoluble in chloroform, ether. dl-form sparingly soluble in water, alcohol. dl-form hydrochloride readily soluble in water; sparingly soluble in alcohol Additionnal data: none Notes: Freebase aspect : white microcrystals; gradually darkening on exposure to light and air. d-bitartrate aspect : white, grayish-white or light brownish-gray crystals; darkens slowly on exposure to air and light. dl-form hydrochloride crystallized from alcohol.
The Dangers of Adrenaline
Physical Health Risks
<Physical Problem 1 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
<Physical Problem 2 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
Overdose
Reported Deaths
Mental Health Risks
<Mental Health Risk 1 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
<Mental Health Risk 2 - Please Identify and Add Others As Necessary>
Side Effects
Addiction
Physical Addiction
Mental Addiction