Description
(-)-Epinephrine is the active isomer of epinephrine, an endogenous hormone neurotransmitter. Epinephrine exhibits bronchodilatory, vasoconstrictive and cardiostimulantory/positive inotropic activities. Epinephrine acts as a non-selective agonist at both α- and β-adrenergic receptors, activating the sympathetic nervous system. Epinephrine is clinically used to treat cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis, as it increases cardiac output and peripheral resistance and decreases edema by suppressing leakage from constricted vessels. This compound also inhibits insulin secretion, increases glucagon and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion, and induces glycogenolysis, glycolysis, and lipolysis to increase energy production.
References
Seravalle G, Dimitriadis K, Dell'Oro R, et al. How to assess sympathetic nervous system activity in clinical practice. Curr Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Aug;8(3):182-8. PMID: 23173963.
Busse PJ, Buckland MS. Non-histaminergic angioedema: focus on bradykinin-mediated angioedema. Clin Exp Allergy. 2013 Apr;43(4):385-94. PMID: 23517034.
Warren JB, Pixley FJ, Dollery CT. Importance of beta 2-adrenoceptor stimulation in the suppression of intradermal antigen challenge by adrenaline. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 1989 Feb;27(2):173-7. PMID: 2565729.
Warren J. The adrenal medulla and the airway. Br J Dis Chest. 1986 Jan;80(1):1-6. PMID: 3004549.
Berecek KH, Brody MJ. Evidence for a neurotransmitter role for epinephrine derived from the adrenal medulla. Am J Physiol. 1982 Apr;242(4):H593-601. PMID: 6278965