Epinephrine (C9H13NO3) Marvin and Jake

2D Model

3D Model

History 1886 William Bates reported the discovery of the substance First extracted by Napoleon Cybulski in 1895 along with other catecholamine Jokichi Takamine purified the compound from the adrenal glands in 1900 First artificially synthesized by Friedrich Stolz and Henry Dakin in 1904

Synthesized Medulla of the adrenal glans Amino Acid- L-DOPA (decarboxylated) Produces dopamine Oxidized into Norepinephrine Finally produced by replacing a hydrogen in its amine with a methyl group

Synthesized Reaction is catalyzed by an enzyme called phenylethanolamine N-methyltransderase or (PNMT) PNMT utilizes S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) as the methyl donor

Properties Acts almost as a body tissue Effects vary depending on the organ or tissue type Physiological effects: increased heart rate, increased respiratory rate, muscle contractions, breaking down of glycogen, vasoconstriction/vasodilation and triggering of lipolysis. Binding adrenergic receptors

Properties The adrenergic receptors cause metabolic change Strong emotion such as fear or anger causes epinephrine into the blood stream Therefore, an increase in heart rate, muscle strength, blood pressure and sugar metabolism Flight or Fight Response

Uses in society Used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions to insects, bites, stings, medicines, food and other substances Treats cause of anaphylaxis by constricting blood vessels (decreases swelling and increases blood pressure) Prevents or reversing cardiovascular collapse Relaxes muscles in the lungs allow airways to open up

Uses in society Treat cardio arrest Improves return of spontaneous circulation after cardio arrest

Problems Physiological side effects: irregular heartbeat, throbbing headache, paleness, weakness, fear, anxiety, dizziness, sweating, nausea/vomiting More severe when injected Too much epinephrine causes dangerously high blood pressure, stroke or death If taken with other medicines you are at a serious life threat especially if you have asthma

Adrenaline Rush: The Science of Risk