What do you know about adrenaline

The adrenaline (also called epinephrine) is a hormone that, together with norepinephrine, belongs to the group of catecholamines. These hormones are secreted by the adrenal gland into the bloodstream. The adrenal glands are located above the upper pole of both kidneys.

• Adrenaline is a hormone with effects on different organs and parts of the body (heart, lungs, metabolism, eyes, kidneys, central nervous system ...)
• It also produces a response from the body aimed at preparing it for the reaction of flight, fight, fear, etc.
• -In addition to being secreted by the body, adrenaline can be synthesized in laboratories in the form of a drug, very useful mainly in cases of medical emergency.

What are the effects of adrenaline?

Adrenaline, once released into the blood, exerts its action on different organs:

• cardiovascular: it stimulates the rate and contractile force of the heart muscle, thus the immediate response that we notice after the action of adrenaline is tachycardia. On the blood vessels it produces a vasoconstriction (skin, mucous membranes and kidney).
• Pulmonary: adrenaline has a bronchodilator effect (it favors the entry of air into the lungs) by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscles and reducing bronchial secretions.
• On metabolism, it causes an increase in blood glucose and basal metabolism.
• Over the eyes there is a dilation of the pupil (mydriasis).
• On the kidney and the urinary tract it contracts the sphincters so it can cause urinary retention.
• Indirect symptoms occur in the central nervous system mainly due to cardiovascular effects (headache, nervousness, tremor), since adrenaline has no direct effect on the brain.
• Certain diseases present with high or low levels of adrenaline, which can cause certain symptoms related to an excess or deficit of this hormone.

For example, an elevation of this hormone appears (detected in urine) in certain tumors such as pheochromocytoma or neuroblastoma. Also in him, diabetic ketoacidosis or hypothyroidism. In diabetic neuropathy and Parkinson's disease, there may be low levels in urine.

Adrenaline in the face of stress

The relationship between adrenaline and stress. Faced with a threatening situation, an organism response is produced aimed at preparing it for the reaction of flight, fight, fear, etc. Thus, any physical or psychological stimulus causes a release of hormones, including the adrenaline that provokes a physiological response to survive (increased blood flow to the heart, heart rate, increased respiratory capacity, release of glucose for increased energy, etc.). In other words, it prepares us to react quickly and effectively when necessary. Although adrenaline is essential in these situations, the continued release of adrenaline is not beneficial. As far as possible, it is advisable to control the situations maintained in daily life, do one and enough, eat in an orderly and healthy way, and practice physical exercise.

Uses in medicine

In addition to being secreted by the body, epinephrine can be synthesized in laboratories as a drug, very useful mainly in cases of medical emergency, in which an immediate response is needed from vital organs such as the heart.

Thus, it is used in emergency medical services as the drug of choice in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), severe asthma attacks, and cardiorespiratory arrest.

Adrenaline benefits

Various medical studies have shown that the action of adrenaline released in pleasant situations, with mild stress and with exercise is very beneficial at the brain level.

Adrenaline influences the way the brain stores memories. Also, a moderate dose of adrenaline can help avoid depression and sadness.

Other research has shown that when physical exercise is performed, the release of adrenaline mobilizes a group of cells (natural killer cells) that behave as antitumor cells, since they act by eliminating tumor cells.