Adrenaline, also known as Epinephrine, is a hormone released into the bloodstream that has the function of keeping the body alert to situations of strong emotions or stress such as fight, flight, excitement and fear, for example.
This substance is produced by the adrenal glands, or adrenals, located above the kidneys, which also produce other hormones with Cortisol, Aldosterone, Androgens, Noradrenaline and Dopamine, very important for the body's metabolism and blood circulation composition.
Main effects
As a way to stimulate the body to react more quickly to situations, some of the main effects of Adrenaline are:
- Increase your heart rate;
- Accelerate the flow of blood to the muscles;
- Activate the brain, making it more alert, with faster reactions and stimulating memory;
- Increase blood pressure;
- Accelerate the frequency of breathing;
- Open the lung bronchi;
- Dilate the pupils, making vision easier for dark environments;
- Stimulate the production of extra energy by transforming glycogen and fat into sugars;
- Decrease digestion and the production of secretions through the digestive tract, to save energy;
- Increase in sweat production.
These effects are also stimulated by Noradrenaline and Dopamine, other neurotransmitter hormones produced by the adrenal gland, also responsible for various effects on the body and brain.
How it works
The production of adrenaline is stimulated whenever there are the following situations:
- Fear of something, so that the body is prepared to fight or to flee;
- Sports practice, especially the radicals, such as climbing or jumping;
- Before important moments, like the accomplishment of a test or interview;
- Moments of strong emotions, such as excitement, anxiety or anger;
- When there is a drop in blood sugar, to stimulate the transformation of fats and glycogen into glucose.
A constantly stressed person lives with high levels of sperm, because their body is always in a state of alertness. This persistent activation of the body's reaction mechanisms causes a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular diseases, and a greater chance of developing autoimmune, endocrine, neurological, and psychiatric diseases.
Understand how emotions, generated by anxiety, depression and stress, can influence the onset of illnesses in diseases that can have emotional causes.
Adrenaline as medicine
The effects of adrenaline can be utilized by the application of its synthetic form in the body. In this way, this substance is also a potent antiasthmatic, vasopressor and cardiac stimulant that can be used in emergency situations or in ICUs, such as treating an anaphylactic reaction or stimulating pressure levels, for example.
This medication is only present in hospital settings, or can only be transported by people who are at high risk of having a severe allergic reaction. Learn more in Epinephrine Bula.
