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Epinephrine
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Diagram showing how epinephrine binding to a beta-adrenergic receptor on a cell membrane activates a G-protein, which then stimulates adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood vessel dilation, and glycogen breakdown. Two EpiPen auto-injectors with yellow labels and blue caps are shown in front of a yellow EpiPen 2-Pak box, used for emergency allergic reaction treatment. Diagram showing the organization of the autonomic nervous system, with labeled pathways for parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, highlighting synapses, neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and norepinephrine, and their receptor types.
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Diagram showing how epinephrine binding to a beta-adrenergic receptor on a cell membrane activates a G-protein, which then stimulates adenylyl cyclase to convert ATP into cyclic AMP (cAMP), leading to physiological effects such as increased heart rate, blood vessel dilation, and glycogen breakdown.
Epinephrine-stimulated cAMP synthesis In cells the stimulatory effects of epinephrine are mediated through the activation of a second messenger known as cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). The activation of this molecule results in the stimulation of cell-signaling pathways that act to increase heart rate, to dilate blood vessels in skeletal muscle, and to break down glycogen to glucose in the liver.

Epinephrine

hormone
Also known as: adrenaline
Written by
Kara Rogers
Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. She joined Britannica in 2006 and...
Kara Rogers
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
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Epinephrine, hormone that is secreted mainly by the medulla of the adrenal glands and that functions primarily to increase cardiac output and to raise glucose levels in the blood. Epinephrine typically is released during acute stress, and its stimulatory effects fortify and prepare an individual for either “fight or flight” (see fight-or-flight response). Epinephrine is closely related in structure to norepinephrine, differing only in the presence of a methyl group on the nitrogen side chain....

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