Epinephrine definition

Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter secreted by the adrenal gland, located above the kidney. In the body, it is naturally released during stressful conditions, serving to increase blood circulation and breathing while preparing the muscles for a “fight or flight” response. When released by the body, it contracts blood vessels, dilates air passages, and has other effects on the bodily systems. Epinephrine is able to bind to receptors on a wide variety of cells, leading to responses in nearly all body tissues.

While epinephrine is naturally produced by the body, synthetic epinephrine is also available. It is commonly delivered as an injected medication for the control of severe or anaphylactic reactions. Marketed as EpiPen or Twinject auto-injectors, epinephrine is available by prescription. This emergency medication can reverse an allergic reaction, and is prescribed for patients with severe allergies to bee stings, peanuts, and other substances. Many of those with allergies carry epinephrine medication with them at all times.

In medical jargon, the word 'epinephrine' is often shortened to 'epi.' Epinephrine is also commonly referred to as adrenaline, particularly outside the United States. The United States and International official names for this hormone are 'epinephrine,' while the British Approved Name is 'adrenaline.' The term 'adrenaline' originates from the Latin words ad- and renes, meaning “on the kidney,” and refers to the position of the adrenal gland near the kidney. 'Epinephrine' is from the Greek roots epi and nephros, which have similar meanings to the Latin root for this term.

Chemically, epinephrine is known as a catecholamine. Epinephine is produced inside the adrenal gland from the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine. Its chemical formula is C9H13N03.

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