Biochemistry of happiness (PART 5). Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a stress hormone that can give you joy in life

Hello friends. This is the last article in the “biochemistry of happiness” series. It is completed by the stress hormone adrenaline. What? Are you asking what the stress hormone has to do with joy? With reasonable stimulation, the most direct. But we'll talk about this a little later.

First, let's look at this hormone from a classical point of view. You already know that adrenaline (ADR) is a fear hormone. He is rightly called our bodyguard. Why?

Because like all bodyguards, he spends most of his time inactive. And only when necessary does it act effectively, lightning fast, and clearly. And this can save our lives in a dangerous situation.

It is also produced during sports, especially if we are talking about extreme sports. This is the strongest hormone that makes us experience vivid emotions.

What is adrenaline?

Adrenaline (aka epinephrine) is a hormone responsible for feelings of anxiety, fear, stress, and danger.
It got its name from the term adrenal gland, because. this organ in English sounds like “adrenal gland”, and it is this organ that produces adrenaline. Epinephrine is always found in certain quantities in organs and tissues. Its presence is vital for the body, because it forces the brain to make lightning-fast decisions in a split second: to defend itself or to run away. What is adrenaline? By its chemical nature it is a catecholamine. Those. is a physically active substance that participates in metabolism and maintains the body’s stability during periods of physical and nervous stress.

The hormone adrenaline is produced in the adrenal glands during stressful situations. This paired gland also produces another hormone, norepinephrine, which also takes part in the “fight or flight” reactions, but to a much lesser extent.

The mechanism of action of adrenaline is that the alarm signal is received by a part of the brain - the hypothalamus. He immediately sends the order further to the adrenal glands, which respond by releasing the hormone into the blood.

The effect of adrenaline on the body is accompanied by increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and dilated pupils. Physical, mental and mental activity is activated. To supply the body with additional energy, glucose begins to be produced more actively, and the feeling of hunger is dulled. To ensure maximum blood flow to the brain, the digestive and genitourinary systems are switched off.

As a result, a person becomes faster, stronger, and his senses become more acute in the shortest possible time. All this allows you to save lives in extreme situations. Adrenaline in the blood is extremely important in case of serious injuries and extensive burns - the pain is dulled, no matter what it is, increasing the time for assistance.

When the danger has passed and adrenaline has returned to normal, the person begins to feel intense hunger, fatigue appears and reactions slow down.

Side effects

As a “side” effect of this drug, a strong increase in power, speed and performance has been noted. This is why adrenaline is considered doping in sports. An increase in the concentration of this hormone in the body leads to dizziness and a “narcotic” effect.

Adrenaline in sports is considered doping

When adrenaline is released without any real danger, a person may experience extreme anxiety and irritability. His blood sugar levels rise. But, since this energy remains unclaimed and does not find a way out, some processes within the body are disrupted.

A prolonged increase in the level of this hormone in the blood can lead to heart failure. When epinephrine is administered, the body may:

• Increase blood pressure
• Lost heart rate
• Increased heart rate
• Pain in the chest area appears

If the above-described side effects occur when administering this drug, then the body’s action can be normalized by blocking the receptors responsible for this. This can be done using Obsidan or Anaprilin .

What is adrenaline? Definition

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine (artificial adrenaline), is a molecule that our body releases in situations of anxiety or stress. When we realize that something threatens us.

Thanks to this substance, various processes are launched in the body that cause the body to react to a potential threat or danger. The actions of adrenaline or epinephrine are aimed at achieving a specific goal: to promote energy production so that the muscles and body can respond to a potential threat or dangerous situation.

Adrenaline, or epinephrine, helps us act and react quickly and prepares our body for peak performance. Therefore, we can say that this substance is involved in the activation of survival mechanisms, it brings the body “toned” so that we can withstand circumstances to which we need to quickly respond.

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Adrenaline or epinephrine has several functions in the human body: When released into the blood (circulation), it acts as a hormone, and when released into the synaptic space, it acts as a neurotransmitter.

• Adrenaline as a hormone: moves through the human body due to blood circulation and reaches various cells and areas of our body, producing numerous reactions in them. Adrenaline is also known as the “fear hormone” or “action hormone.”
• Adrenaline as a neurotransmitter: acts as a chemical courier. It sends signals to the nervous system. This substance is responsible for transmitting information from one neuron to another. Its effect is closely related to attention, wakefulness and the brain's recompensation system.

This substance is usually produced when you are stressed, excited or nervous. It is associated with extreme sports or activities that involve a certain risk. But adrenaline is also released in everyday situations. For example, during an exam, or when we unexpectedly meet a friend, at an important meeting, or even at a wedding. It is also thanks to adrenaline or epinephrine that we are able to prepare for it all night before the exam.

Adrenaline release form

For medical purposes, a solution of hydrochloride and hydrogen tartate is used:

• 0.1% hydrochloride solution. It is used for injection and is available in 1 ml ampoules. Also available in 30 ml bottles
• 0.18% hydrogen tartrate solution. Available in 1 ml ampoules and used as an injection solution

Epinephrine is a synthetic analogue of the fear hormone.
Hydrochloride is a white powder (sometimes with a pink tint) with a crystalline structure. To prepare a solution for injection, chloric acid and preservatives such as chlorobutanol and sodium metabisulfite are added to it.

Hydrotartate is a white powder (sometimes with a gray tint) with a crystalline structure. The solution obtained from this powder is highly stable and is identical in properties and action to hydrochloride.

You can also purchase this remedy in pharmacies in the form of homeopathic D3 granules.

Controlling the release of adrenaline in the body

Adrenaline is a hormone that not only affects our emotions, but also activates a lot of physical and chemical processes in the body. After it is released into the blood, a true storm begins inside us. The blood vessels instantly narrow, and the heart rate per minute increases almost significantly.

At the moment of a surge of the hormone, a person immediately begins to feel somehow strange and unusual. Someone’s heart begins to pound furiously, their breathing quickens, and sometimes they feel a strong pulsation in the temple area. Others produce copious amounts of saliva and develop an unusual taste in their mouth. For many, sweating increases, this is especially noticeable in the palms, and the legs stop obeying. In any case, these changes are reversible.

It is worth knowing that after excitement, inhibition immediately occurs. The person begins to feel empty and lethargic. The stronger the influence of the hormone, the longer the feeling of lethargy will last.

Surely every person at least once in his life has had the desire to “throw out emotions.” This condition indicates that adrenaline is produced in too large quantities, so it needs to be reduced as soon as possible in the least traumatic way.

Symptoms indicating high levels of the hormone in the blood:

• rapid weight loss to the point of exhaustion, which occurs due to a decrease in muscle mass;
• dizziness;
• loss of sleep;
• excessively rapid breathing;
• strong heartbeat;
• complete lack of perseverance;
• increased emotionality (tearfulness, anger, hysterics).

If time is short and you urgently need to come to your senses, then this method will help:

1. Sit comfortably or even lie down if possible. Close your eyes.
2. Inhale as deeply as possible through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
3. Think about something pleasant, remember a funny situation.

Fresh air will help you get back to normal:

• will distract you from worries;
• ease nervous tension;
• normalizes blood pressure;
• improves the functioning of internal organs.

The best option is sports. Just half an hour of active exercise brings your emotional state back to normal. Some successfully practice yoga, meditation, and relaxation exercises.

Doctors also recommend finding yourself in creativity: drawing, embroidery, modeling, music, singing put the nervous system in order, which reduces the level of adrenaline.

Helps reduce hormone production:

• a distraction from the daily hustle and bustle;
• avoidance of disputes that can cause a surge of strong, including negative, emotions;
• taking herbal sedatives (valerian, motherwort, lemon balm);
• measured long walks in the fresh air;
• taking warm baths with the addition of lavender oil;
• nutrition correction - it is worth reducing the amount of sweets and sugar.

The main thing is not to look for peace in cigarettes, alcohol, or food. This only deceives the body, without affecting the stress hormone in any way. But it provokes nicotine and alcohol addiction and leads to obesity.

How to control the release of adrenaline? One way to trigger your own adrenaline rush without putting yourself in danger is to simply get out of your comfort zone, do something new, meet or meet new people, go to an unfamiliar place, etc. All these actions will contribute to an additional “burst” of energy in your body.

Another way to get an adrenaline rush is to expose yourself to “frightening” stimuli (watching a horror movie, riding a roller coaster) or playing certain sports. However, be careful: to get a “portion” of adrenaline, you should never do anything that can cause you real harm.

Extreme sports or roller coasters provoke a feeling of dizziness in the brain, i.e. a dangerous situation is created, leading to the release of adrenaline. As a result, we experience euphoria and excitement.

Why do some people just need an adrenaline rush? Many people experiencing symptoms of anxiety or stress look for ways to trigger an adrenaline rush. For example, they start driving a car at high speed, which gives them a feeling of euphoria.

It is believed that the adrenaline rush instantly gives this feeling of euphoria, maximum energy and ability to act, after which the person feels pleasantly relaxed.

Adrenaline rush

How to increase adrenaline

A strange question, isn't it? After all, when the time comes, he will rise on his own and none of us doubts this. But some are interested in conscious stimulation. Well…

There are different ways to do this. Let's start with farm support.

Pharmacological method

Some are interested in the specific activation of certain adrenaline receptors.

There are also natural dietary supplements to maintain the normal functioning of the adrenal glands so that they properly produce the hormone. Found on iHerb LINK 1, LINK 2, LINK 3.

Adrenaline stimulation for joy

The most luxurious way to stimulate adrenaline in all respects is natural emotions from different activities and situations. It's safe, harmless, you can't think of a better word. And this is something that we can organize for ourselves.

I have already said that adrenaline, to some extent, can also be called a hormone of joy, even despite its stressful nature. When you do something that you are slightly afraid of, you get a bonus in the form of joy. How?

For example, the notorious “comfort zone,” the exit from which promises unprecedented success, is precisely connected with the reasonable stimulation of adrenaline.

When you decide to make new acquaintances, spontaneously change your plans, go somewhere you didn’t plan, master something that you have long wanted, but constantly put off (precisely because of a slight fear of it), etc. - You always release a small dose of adrenaline. By successfully overcoming your inner discomfort and doing something, you will be more satisfied with your life when you come out.

For example, I have now set myself the task of signing up for swimming. I've wanted to do it for a long time, but I kept putting it off. I already called the coach and agreed to meet, but, unfortunately, he got sick. And again I put this matter on the back burner, although there are other trainers. Why am I delaying?

• Well, firstly, because I’m not particularly good at swimming, I don’t feel confident in the water, and in order for me to correct this situation, I need to give myself a little kick in the ass.
• Secondly, for some reason, the trainers at the local pool all specialize in teaching children. And the thought that I, an adult, will look ridiculous next to the children also holds me back.

All these are not serious factors that I will definitely overcome, but subconsciously we put off what makes us uncomfortable. Even the thought that swimming could one day save my life, help strengthen my body even better, and other goodies does not always help overcome this fear mixed with laziness. Until I decide to start, as if jumping into cold water, I will not understand how ADR gives joy.

Or, for example, you are afraid to go to the gym. You train at home alone, but you understand that only the gym will give you everything you need. And the equipment and the atmosphere and more self-respect. And you also put off this, although you do not abandon this idea.

If you still decide to go to the gym, then this will be a classic case for you, in which you can stimulate your ADR safely and usefully. Once you overcome fear, you will experience more joy and self-respect.

And there’s no need to talk about the benefits of bodybuilding and its impact on your future life! Your body will change, your view of yourself will change! Some advantages.

By the way, during strength training, adrenaline is produced in the amount necessary for happiness. 30 minutes of training will give you 1.5-2 hours of high spirits! This is more noticeable in men than in women. Therefore, if you feel bad and you are also a man, run to the gym!

So I don’t recommend pharmacological stimulation to you - this is the simplest and short-term way to influence your mood. I recommend “stimulating joy” with adrenaline in those things that you are afraid of, but which will give you real benefits for life and a lot of joy in the end!

Dangerous extreme

You can also stimulate the release of adrenaline with something extreme (extreme sports, entertainment). We will not talk about the reasonableness of this, since all adults are capable of assessing for themselves whether this should be done or not. I’ll just mention it as another method.

Some people who suffer from panic attacks and increased anxiety sometimes acquire the habit of stimulating the production of adrenaline with something dangerous. They can drive their cars at high speed, go on attractions, watch really scary horrors. Why? Because it gives them a feeling of euphoria, which then gives them relaxation.

But such stimulation is more like a drug addiction than the norm. In addition, it is worth knowing that in this case there is a risk of entering a state of excess adrenaline.

This is dangerous because the body will UNDER-recover from such stress. If powerful surges of the hormone are rare, this is even beneficial for us. But a regular “injection” of a large amount of adrenaline into the blood has a destructive effect!

People involved in extreme sports are at risk. There are individuals who naturally have a strong adrenaline system. In ordinary life they have few impressions and look for stimulation in something extraordinary.

And due to the fact that life around is becoming more and more difficult emotionally, no matter what anyone says, for many extreme sports are a means of escaping reality. This is freedom from routine, problems, society. And there are more and more such people.

Some have a genetic predisposition to this, while others express various complexes this way. Others are trying to prove something to themselves or others.

It can hardly be said that such people will necessarily have health problems. I do not dare to say this; moreover, I have not studied this topic separately. As in any other situation, many factors influence us. Yes, and people are all different.

But for most people, an excess of “drive” has a negative effect. This is scientifically proven and, in principle, understandable without any research! Any prolonged stress is bad.

What is dangerous about an excess of adrenaline?

At a minimum, this will disrupt your sleep, which means the recovery processes of muscles and the nervous system, and productivity will suffer. At first it will be at a height, and then it will definitely decrease, as the body will be exhausted.

At the same time, a person’s sense of fear and self-preservation instinct will become dulled, and therefore the rationality of actions.

• And an excess of adrenaline (and cortisol) stimulates obesity in the abdominal area.
• Immunity fails.
• Stomach ulcer is provoked.
• Hearing and vision are dulled with prolonged exposure.
• Chronic fatigue appears.
• Fibromyolgia develops (a disease accompanied by pain in bones, joints and muscles. This affects about 3% of the population).
• And the worst thing for bodybuilders is the loss of muscle mass. This is the body’s response to any prolonged stress; protein chains begin to break down. This is why people lose weight after severe stress. Along with the fat, the muscles are also “drained”.

Well, in general, nothing good. So again I encourage you to use “softer” methods of stimulation.

Side effects of epinephrine

Adrenaline is a substance that is naturally produced in our body by the adrenal glands.

However, this substance can also be produced in a laboratory. In this case, it is called epinephrine (synthetic or artificial adrenaline), used in medicines and pharmaceuticals.

Moreover, both of these terms are used to refer to the hormone that the adrenal glands produce in stressful situations. These terms are actually synonymous.

Epinephrine (synthetic adrenaline) has saved many lives since its introduction. It is used in medicine in a wide variety of life-threatening emergency situations: cardiac and respiratory arrest, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock (an immediate allergic reaction of the body's immune system to any food, insect bites, medications, etc.), bleeding , asthma attacks, bronchospasms, to enhance the effect of anesthesia, etc.

• For cardiac arrest: epinephrine is used to increase peripheral resistance (vasoconstriction).
• For anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction): adrenaline affects this reaction due to its immunological properties.
• Included in some local injectable anesthetics (bupivacaine and lidocaine): absorption is delayed due to the vasoconstrictor properties of adrenaline, which prolongs the effect of the anesthetic.

This medication should only be used in emergency situations as it may cause serious consequences. Like all medications, it has side effects and should not be used in cases of allergies or in patients with heart failure, cerebral atherosclerosis, angle-closure glaucoma or pheochromocytoma.

Epinephrine injection may cause serious side effects such as: hypertension, tachycardia or palpitations (strong, fast or irregular heartbeat), peripheral vasoconstriction, cerebral hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, angina, skin redness, inflammation, fever or tenderness at the injection site , difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness, restlessness, nervousness, restlessness, pale skin, weakness, headache, tremors, etc.

Drug interactions

The simultaneous use of drugs is not recommended due to the high likelihood of developing arrhythmia. In particular, the following drugs are limited when using adrenaline:

• Cardiac glycosides;
• Antidepressants;
• Quinidine;
• Dopamine.

The use of injections with sympathomimetics increases the likelihood of side effects. Diuretics and antihypertensive medications weaken the effect of adrenaline.

Epinephrine must not be mixed with acids, alkalis and oxidizing agents. The optimal condition for storing adrenaline in ampoules is about 15 degrees Celsius, but if possible it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator. Shelf life without opening the package is two years. If the epinephrine solution in the ampoule has acquired a brown tint, it is not recommended to use it.

Controlling the release of adrenaline in the body

The benefit is felt if its indicators increase only in rare cases, and not on an ongoing basis. In order not to cause a strong blow to the body, the effect of the hormone is short-lived and in an ordinary situation, literally after 5 minutes its amount is within the normal range.

The effect of adrenaline on the body:

• has antiallergic and anti-inflammatory properties;
• relieves bronchospasm and reduces the development of edema of the mucous membranes;
• causes spasm of small blood vessels in the skin, as a result of which the limbs receive less blood than usual. At the same time, it stimulates the coagulation system, increasing blood viscosity, which makes it possible to extremely quickly stop blood loss in a variety of wounds and injuries;
• increases the level of wakefulness;
• enhances the breakdown of fats and inhibits their synthesis;
• has a positive effect on the performance of skeletal muscles, which is important when tired: the ability to run faster, jump higher and further, lift the heaviest weights in relation to your own body weight appears;
• increases the pain threshold.

Accelerated metabolism entails an increase in temperature, the sweat glands get to work with special zeal, cooling the body and preventing overheating.

Its negative functions are as follows:

• blood pressure rises above normal;
• enlargement of the myocardium is fraught with serious heart diseases; any kind of exposure significantly increases the risk of heart attack;
• narrowing of blood vessels and increased platelet formation negatively affect well-being;
• depletion of the adrenal medulla can provoke cardiac arrest;
• Constantly high levels of the hormone lead to stomach ulcers;
• habitual stress causes chronic depression;
• muscle mass decreases;
• insomnia, chronic dizziness, excessively rapid breathing, increased nervousness, and unreasonable anxiety occur.

The most unpleasant moment associated with the release of the hormone is the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the intestines and bladder. People with unstable psyches may experience “bear disease.” In moments of stress, they experience an uncontrollable urge to go to the toilet, sometimes urination begins spontaneously, and loose stools are noted.

Adrenaline dosage

• For bronchial asthma: Droppers 0.3-0.5 mg of adrenaline. This therapy can be carried out three times a day with 20 minutes between procedures
• For anaphylactic shock: The solution is administered intravenously at 0.1-0.25 mg. If this is required, then after such an injection a dropper with 0.1 m/ml of this drug is placed after 10-20 minutes no more than 3 times a day

Heart failure - adrenaline is one of the ways to start it

• When cardiac activity ceases: intracardially 0.5 mg (in modern practice, due to the recommendations of the European Association of Reanimatology, it is practically not used) or intravenously 1 mg (diluted)
• For open glaucoma: 1 drop of 1% solution twice a day
• For severe bleeding: Locally using tampons soaked in this solution
• For spinal anesthesia: injection of 0.2-0.4 mg at a concentration of 5 mcg/ml of the drug

Structure and functions of adrenaline and norepinephrine

Epinephrine is synthesized from norepinephrine in the adrenal glands. The precursor to norepinephrine is the essential amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine is not synthesized in the body; it can only be obtained from animal products. There is a lot of this amino acid in meat, and even more in cheese.

Some types of cheese contain excess tyrosine. Therefore, it is not recommended to eat sharp varieties of cheese at night, as it has a stimulating effect on many people.

Vitamins C and B are also needed for the synthesis of norepinephrine and adrenaline.

Effects of adrenaline

It is traditionally believed that adrenaline is a stress hormone, not only psychological, but also physical. Burns, injuries, shock, as well as physical activity stimulate the release of a huge portion of adrenaline into the blood. We need this hormone to mobilize the body’s forces, this is what the effects of adrenaline are associated with - it “turns off” everything unnecessary and enhances the necessary functions of the body:

• Constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
• Increases heart rate and the amount of blood the heart pumps out.
• Increases breathing speed, dilates the bronchi.
• Stimulates the secretion of the hormone renin by the kidneys, resulting in increased blood pressure.
• Releases glucose from depots in the liver and muscles, thereby providing the body with energy.
• Stimulates the breakdown of fat. “Melting” fat warms up muscles and provides additional energy to the body.
• Activates memory, attention, thinking. Here, by the way, it must be said that not all people have adrenaline that causes adequate brain function. Quite often, under its influence, the opposite effect occurs - confusion of thoughts and panic.
• Increases the pain threshold.
• Tones muscles. Sometimes, under the influence of adrenaline, tremor (fine trembling) of the limbs occurs.
• Dilates the pupil, sharpens vision. Here you can remember the proverb “Fear has big eyes.”
• Suppresses appetite, digestive system and kidney function.
• Causes sweating and dry mouth.

Adrenaline is released along with sweat. A person’s sense of smell cannot detect it, but a dog’s subtle sense of smell senses it very well. Contrary to popular belief, a dog does not show aggression towards a person from whom the fear hormone emanates; most likely, it will behave with caution and will bypass the “suspicious object”. But if a person runs away, or shows fear through facial expressions and gestures, there is a high probability that the dog will attack him.

Adrenaline is often called the “fight or flight” hormone. It is believed that he is the one who should help make a decision in an extreme situation. However, contrary to popular belief, this choice does not depend only on adrenaline.

Norepinephrine is the rage hormone. Together with adrenaline, it determines the level of our courage and answers the question “fight or flight?”

The effect of norepinephrine on the body is similar to the effect of adrenaline. But there are some nuances - it constricts blood vessels more strongly and increases blood pressure more effectively. At the same time, it has a weak effect on the bronchi, intestines, heart, and has a weak effect on metabolism.

The synthesis of adrenaline and norepinephrine, as well as their work, do not depend on our consciousness. These hormones are controlled by our autonomic (or autonomic) nervous system, or rather part of it, the so-called sympathetic nervous system. Sympathy controls our internal organs in a state of stress, emotions, and physical activity.

In order for the nervous system to transmit its signals to organs and tissues, intermediaries or neurotransmitters are needed. Such an intermediary that can “inform” the internal organs of the “requirements” of the nervous system is norepinephrine. From a physiological point of view, it is more of a neurotransmitter than a hormone, since 80% of its supply is contained in the sympathetic nervous system, and only 20% in the adrenal glands.

In order for our organs to perceive signals from neurotransmitters or hormones, they must have receptors for them - cells or molecules that are able to connect with these substances. Receptors for adrenaline and norepinephrine are called adrenergic receptors.

When stressed, the brain is the first to react. The hypothalamus produces the hormone corticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to increase the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones reach the target organs through the bloodstream. The sympathetic nervous system is also activated, and the neurotransmitter norepinephrine is released. It binds to receptors and transmits appropriate impulses.

The body reacts to stress instantly. As soon as the brain evaluates what is happening as a potential danger, the body immediately mobilizes. Try pouring ice water on yourself, and you will see how you will cheer up no worse than from a psychostimulant.

There are 5 types of adrenergic receptors, and each of them has its own location:

• Alpha 1 - in blood vessels, intestines, gastrointestinal sphincters, liver and radial muscle of the iris.
• Alpha 2 – in nerve cells, in particular in brain cells.
• Beta 1 – in the heart, kidneys, adipose tissue and sweat glands.
• Beta 2 - in the bronchi, liver, pancreas, skeletal muscles, adipose tissue, salivary glands.
• Beta 3 – in adipose tissue.

Under stress, only one type of adrenergic receptor is never activated; adrenaline and norepinephrine are attached to all receptors sensitive to them. But in different situations, the distribution of hormones, and therefore emotions, will be different. So, for example, the same adrenaline is responsible for the feelings of fear and shame, but in the first case we turn pale, and in the second we turn red.

Adrenaline has a powerful stimulating effect, and not long ago, intracardiac administration of adrenaline was considered the standard for resuscitating a patient in cardiac arrest. However, at present such an introduction is considered useless. Current clinical protocols recommend intravenous or subcutaneous administration. Just 1 ml of adrenaline can start the heart and bring a person back to life.

Norepinephrine acts more on alpha adrenergic receptors than on beta. This explains the fact that despite its similar structure to adrenaline, this hormone causes other emotions, and at the same time has practically no effect on the heart, digestive and respiratory systems, as well as metabolism.

The presence of different adrenergic receptors is of great practical importance. The fact is that there are a number of medications that affect them - block them, or, conversely, stimulate them. Beta blockers are used to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure. Drugs that stimulate beta 2 adrenergic receptors are used quite widely for the treatment of bronchial asthma.

If you are inspired by the idea that adrenaline stimulates the breakdown of fat, and therefore promotes weight loss, do not rush to rejoice. Losing weight this way will not lead to anything good. Firstly, under stress, not only adrenal hormones are produced, and quite often in such situations they do not lose weight, but rather gain weight. Secondly, the prolonged presence of large amounts of adrenaline in the body causes undeniable harm. Let's look at its negative effects:

• Load on the heart. Increased heart rate and increased cardiac output can be fatal for people with heart disease. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend that heart patients avoid stress. The long-term stimulating effect of adrenaline on the heart does not bring anything good to healthy people. Quite often the result of stress is arrhythmias and coronary heart disease.

• Increased blood pressure. The body is able to compensate for short-term increases in pressure. However, if this situation drags on over time, irreversible changes in the anatomy of the heart and blood vessels occur. This ultimately leads to a persistent increase in blood pressure - hypertension
• Increased blood sugar levels. Adrenaline is a counter-insular hormone, meaning it suppresses insulin production. In addition, it stimulates the release of glucose from the depot. Thus, the blood sugar level rises, but the tissues cannot absorb it because there is not enough insulin. And even if you do not have diabetes, this disease may well appear as a result of serious stress.
• Long-term disruption of the digestive system can lead to intestinal atony, constipation or diarrhea.
• Increased breakdown of adipose tissue cannot occur without the formation of ketone bodies. This is, in fact, the same acetone and its derivatives that have a toxic effect on the brain and the body as a whole.
• Muscle fatigue. Not only athletes can note this effect of adrenaline, but also those who have found themselves in extreme situations. Tension should be replaced by relaxation. And if the adrenaline level is still at the limit, then the musculoskeletal system works “for wear and tear,” which of course does not add to health.
• Prolonged concentration and mobilization of the brain leads to its exhaustion. Excitement gives way to depression and apathy. In some cases, a person may fall into such a deep stupor that it is no longer possible to do without the help of a specialist.

A long-term excess of norepinephrine also entails a number of consequences - it impairs vision and brain function. The first thing that suffers is the intellect. And courage and bravado are replaced by fear and anxiety.

Adrenaline is a very powerful and important component of our body. Many people wonder: why do we need such a hormonal shake-up and emotional explosion? Logical. But first of all, the production of adrenaline is a vital process for a person to withstand various difficulties. In case of stress, a hormone is released, and the resulting emotions keep the body in good shape.

As well as the man himself. Well, if something good happens, the hormone seems to give you wings. Adrenaline is a vital necessity. If it is not enough, then the person does not cope well with difficult life circumstances, his reaction to what happened is slower, it is difficult for him to concentrate and begin to act. Often he cannot make any decision. To put it differently, they simply give up. Many people often characterize this as depression.

Instructions for use of the drug

Most often, injections of the substance are made directly under the skin. The practice of administering intravenously (in the form of IVs) or into a muscle is rarely used. The solution should not be injected into the artery, as this can provoke necrotic changes in soft tissues and gangrene. The dosage is determined by the emergency physician or attending physician depending on the goals. A single dose can be from 0.2 to 1 milliliter for an adult patient, and for a child – from 0.1 to 0.5 milliliters.

Restoration of heart function is carried out by intracardiac administration in a volume of 1 milliliter, in case of fibrillation - from 0.5 to 1 milliliter of solution. An asthma attack is stopped by subcutaneous injection of 0.3-0.7 milliliters of epinephrine. The maximum permissible dosage is a milliliter for an adult and half a milliliter for a child. Therapeutic doses:

1. Children – from 0.1 to 0.5;
2. Adults - from 0.2 to 1 milliliter.

These restrictions apply to all types of drug administration, regardless of the intended purpose of treatment. It is prohibited to give injections at home. Self-medication using any form of adrenaline is strictly not recommended.

When administered, the drug immediately begins to interact with body tissues, resulting in the following reactions:

• Increased heart rate;
• Increased breathing;
• Rapid increase in blood pressure.

Based on these factors, you can determine the effectiveness of the dosage used and the drug itself.

Treatment with adrenaline

As it turned out above, when the hormone adrenaline is produced, it activates the ability of organs to function in critical conditions. This is what adrenaline therapy is based on. When the internal systems of the patient’s body stop working, the doctor injects epinephrine, its effect lasts about 5 minutes and during this time the medical staff carries out resuscitation measures to save life.

The effect of adrenaline on the body is varied, and it has found wide application in various branches of medicine. The hormone is used in medical practice as:

• hyperglycemic agent for insulin overdose;
• antiallergic for anaphylactic shock (swelling of the larynx);
• bronchodilator, vasoconstrictor and hypertensive to dilate the bronchi in asthma;
• a means of stopping superficial bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes;
• adjunct to anesthesia for vasoconstriction. As such, it slows blood flow to reduce the rate of absorption of the anesthetic, which increases the duration of pain relief.

Two salts of adrenaline are used in medicine: hydrochloride and hydrogen tartrate.

• the first salt is used in case of a sharp drop in blood pressure, lightning-fast allergic reactions while taking medications, critically low blood sugar, attacks of bronchial asthma, heart rhythm disturbances;
• the second is administered for anaphylactic shock, insulin overdose, to relieve attacks of bronchial asthma, and swelling of the larynx. Contained in sterile ointments and drops, which are used in ophthalmological and ENT practice. In the form of a 1-2% solution, it is used in the treatment of glaucoma, to reduce fluid pressure inside the eye.

The dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Adrenaline drugs are administered slowly subcutaneously, less often intramuscularly and intravenously.

Like any drug, it has contraindications:

• rapid heartbeat and irregular heart rhythm;
• period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• individual intolerance;
• a benign hormone-dependent tumor located in the adrenal medulla.

Contraindications and possible limitations

Epinephrine preparations are practically not used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This medication can cause miscarriage at almost any time. In addition, it is transmitted to the fetus through milk and placenta. Also among the contraindications of adrenaline solutions are:

1. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy;
2. Constantly elevated blood pressure requiring medication correction (arterial hypertension);
3. Atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases;
4. Thyrotoxicosis;
5. Arrhythmia;
6. Aneurysm;
7. Hypersensitivity to epinephrine.

The use of a solution of adrenaline with chloroform, fluorotane and cyclopropane in surgical practice is not recommended due to the high risks of pathological changes in heart rhythm. In pediatrics, the use of the drug is practiced, but it is associated with some risks, therefore, in cases of treatment of children, special monitoring of its results is required.

What happens when there is an excess of adrenaline?

Why is adrenaline rush dangerous? We have already learned that adrenaline is necessary in order to act in times of danger or stress. Also, some people enjoy the euphoric state caused by the release of adrenaline or epinephrine after watching a scary movie or going on a ride.

However, an excess of adrenaline, when the body constantly produces it, can have an extremely negative impact on health. This occurs with prolonged or chronic stress.

In addition, in some cases, an excess of adrenaline can lead to various pathologies: high blood pressure, headaches, nausea and sleep problems. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor the signals in the form of fatigue and drowsiness that our body sends us.

Another pathology is associated with overly emotional people (especially those who are susceptible to negative emotions) - they are more at risk of cardiovascular disease. Learn how to stop thinking negatively.

Excess adrenaline can also lead to obesity. Along with cortisol, adrenaline promotes the accumulation of fat and sugars in the abdominal cavity.

When a person gets used to strong surges of adrenaline, so-called adrenaline addiction may occur, the symptoms of which are similar to any other addictions (asthenia, fear, nervousness, need for stimulants).

In extreme cases, this can lead to a breakdown of the immune system and trigger the development of chronic diseases. It has been confirmed that prolonged adrenaline release may contribute to chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

Thus, the following symptoms of increased adrenaline can be distinguished:

• Increased heart rate
• Pupil dilation
• Increased breathing (oxygen reaches all organs faster)
• Increased blood pressure
• Control and delay of intestinal transit

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Adrenaline for children

Epinephrine should be used with great caution in children. In case of cardiac arrest in newborns, it is administered intravenously at a dose of 10-30 mcg per kilogram every 3-5 minutes.

In case of anaphylactic shock, it is administered dropwise or intramuscularly at a dose of 10 mcg per kilogram of body. If necessary, this procedure is repeated up to three times.

For bronchospasm, the drug is administered dropwise at a dose of 10 mcg per kilogram of body. This procedure can be carried out every 4 hours if necessary.

Adrenaline rush

What is this term and how can adrenaline be a drug? Indeed, the effect of adrenaline on the body can be called narcotic. When it enters the blood in large quantities, it causes euphoria, which is what those who like to tickle their nerves like.

It is believed that addiction is formed in adolescence, which is why teenagers are so drawn to adventure. Usually by the age of 18, the love for extreme sports fades away. But there are also exceptions. If an adult is prone to reckless actions, then there must be good reasons for this:

• a person has already experienced the powerful mechanism of action of the hormone several times and can no longer live without it;
• low self-esteem and complexes;
• work is associated with a constant release of adrenaline;
• genetic predisposition.

A true adrenaline junkie is a person who, in everyday life, feels truly unhappy and frustrated if he is not given the opportunity to perform wild and extreme antics. Such a person tries something new every day, because the hormone adrenaline is produced less and less often, and one day he goes beyond all limits of what is permitted.

First you need to find out what a person really lacks. Maybe the reason is so banal that you just need to carefully analyze your mental state. Most often, all problems come from childhood. Then you should learn to switch from one type of activity to another - this helps not to get hung up on an uninteresting and boring activity, after which you want to feel adrenaline excitement. And, in the end, new hobbies, knowledge and skills, and quiet travel to unusual places help a lot.

But we all know the case: a real danger arises and suddenly... No matter how deplorable a person was up to that moment, it’s as if he gets a second wind! He is ready to synthesize thoughts, actively make decisions, and act! And what is it called? That's right - an adrenaline rush. What it is?

We can say that there is an emergency situation in which the hypothalamus begins to function. It is located in the brain. And in such special cases, it sends a signal to the adrenal glands, which instantly, at that very second, begin to actively produce adrenaline, and in all parts of the body, through all the nerve endings!

This is a physical impulse of incredible power. The so-called adrenaline rush. A person feels it almost immediately, a maximum of five seconds after the start of the process. This is the explanation for the sudden opening of a second wind at the moment of something truly dangerous or something that requires immediate action.

Overdose

If more than the recommended dosage of epinephrine is administered, tachycardia, abnormal heart rhythm, vomiting, headache, heart attack, cerebral hemorrhage, and death may occur.

If symptoms of overdose occur, administration of this drug should be discontinued. It is urgent to administer alpha-blockers (for high blood pressure) or beta-blockers (for arrhythmia).

Arrhythmia is a common side effect of adrenaline overdose.

Adrenaline or prednisolone for anaphelactic shock If the allergy manifests itself quite acutely, then the first aid kit should contain means with which it will be possible to avoid harmful consequences. Adrenaline spasms blood vessels to prevent new swelling, and Prednisolone is used to relieve an allergic reaction.

How and where is adrenaline produced?

Where is adrenaline released? The hypothalamus located in the brain controls the release of adrenaline by the adrenal glands. In a dangerous situation, our strength and speed increase, and our ability to feel pain decreases.

How is adrenaline produced? Adrenaline is synthesized by the adrenal glands and is the end product of a complex biochemical process of biosynthesis of catecholamines, a group of hormones associated with the body's responses to stress and stress. The process works as follows: the product of tyrosine hydroxidation is levodopa or DOPA (L-dioxyphenylalanine), which is then decarboxylated by the enzyme L-DOPA decarboxylase and converted into dopamine. Dopamine is then hydroxylated by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase to norepinephrine, which is the precursor of adrenaline.

Why does adrenaline rush? The main reasons are physical or life threat, excessive emotions or high ambient temperature. These stimuli are processed by the central nervous system, resulting in the release of adrenaline.

Adrenaline contraindications

The use of this drug is contraindicated in:

• Aneurysm
• Chronic high blood pressure
• Tachyarrhythmias
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Atherosclerotic vascular lesions
• Hypersensitivity to epinephrine

In case of atherosclerotic vascular lesions, epinephrine should not be used!
In a state of anesthesia caused by Cyclopropane , Chloroform or Ftorotan, the administration of adrenaline can provoke arrhythmia.

When treating elderly patients, this drug must be used with extreme caution.

The story of Murray Joan

What made Murray Joe (born in 1952) famous was an extraordinary incident from her life. Murray was fond of parachuting. In 1999, she made another jump from a height of 4400 meters, but the main parachute did not open. The additional parachute opened only at an altitude of about 200 meters, the lines got tangled, and at great speed the woman fell onto an anthill with fire ants.

Murray had numerous fractures, all her teeth were knocked out, she received multiple bites, and was unconscious. After severe injuries, she fell into a coma, was unconscious for almost two weeks and survived, no matter how paradoxical it may sound. According to doctors, the stinging ant bites contributed to numerous adrenaline releases. The constant supply of the hormone in the blood became life-saving for the woman.

Joan Murray, skydiver

Sympathoadrenergic activity and fat metabolism

Intravenous administration of epinephrine at rest causes an increase in lipolytic activity, assessed by microdialysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue samples, and this effect is gradually weakened by repeated injections of epinephrine (Stallknecht, 2003). In patients with spinal cord injury, while performing exercise on an arm ergometer using microdialysis, the level of lipolysis was determined in samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue taken in areas above and below the border separating the area of ​​the body with sympathetic innervation (within the clavicle) from the area of ​​the sepsis. deprived (above the buttocks) (Stallknecht et al., 2001). In both areas, an increase in the intensity of lipolysis was observed during physical exercise, which suggests that direct sympathetic innervation is not particularly important for lipolysis processes during muscle work. However, adrenaline circulating in the circulatory system may be the most likely candidate for the role of activator of lillolytic processes. Exercise training leads to a decrease in adipose tissue volume and adipocyte size, and it appears that the sympathoadrenergic system is very important in mediating this adaptation.

Adrenaline is able to stimulate the breakdown of fats not only in adipose tissue, but also in muscles, and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hormone dependent lipase (HSL) play an important role in this regulation. Activation of HSL can occur both under the influence of muscle contractile activity and increased levels of adrenaline (Donsmark, 2002), and it has recently been shown that in individuals with removed adrenal glands, there is a parallel activation of HSL and glycogen phosphorylase after adrenaline injections during exercise (Kjaer et al., 2000). This may mean that adrenergic activity leads to simultaneous mobilization of internal

When is an Adrenaline injection necessary?

Indications for use are:

• allergic reactions:
• onset of an asthmatic attack;
• bronchospasm during general anesthesia;
• asystole due to third degree AV block;
• difficult hemostasis due to bleeding from capillaries and arterioles;
• arterial hypotension during surgical interventions, which is not helped by the infusion of adequate volumes of plasma substitutes;
• drop in blood pressure due to shock, major injuries and overdose of pharmacological drugs;
• prolongation of the effect of local anesthetics (including during dental procedures);
• hypoglycemia due to accidental administration of an excessive dose of insulin;
• intraocular hypertension;
• swelling of the conjunctiva.

Line of flavors

Adrenaline Rush:

• “Absolute Energy” is a classic.
• “Berry Energy” - with the addition of refreshing berry juice.
• “Orange Energy” - with natural orange juice.

Adrenaline Game Fuel:

• “Game Energy” is a classic.
• "Game Energy" - tastes of ginger and lime.

All these drinks differ only in flavor and aromatic additives. The basic ingredients are the same, as is the strength of the tonic effect.

Description and composition

Adrenaline is a non-alcoholic energy drink aimed at maintaining physical and mental activity throughout the day. The main ingredients in energy drinks are caffeine and components that contain it to varying degrees. In addition, the composition contains other stimulants, such as melatonin, taurine, theobromine, glucose, as well as flavoring additives, flavorings, dyes, and acidity regulators.

Application in medicine

Many patients find that their doctor prescribes epinephrine injections for them. But why it should be used is worth examining in more detail. The instructions that are attached to each package have clear instructions for using the drug:

1. Complex cases of low blood pressure if other substances have failed (heart surgery, shock from injury, heart or kidney failure);
2. During an overdose of various medications;
3. With severe spasms of the bronchi during surgery;
4. A sudden and severe asthma attack;
5. Severe bleeding from the vessels of the mucous membranes or skin;
6. To suppress various types of bleeding that cannot be stopped with the help of other drugs;
7. To quickly eliminate allergies;
8. With a sharp weakening of contractions of the heart muscle;
9. Low glucose levels;
10. Medicine for ophthalmic surgical operations, for various types of glaucoma.
11. The substance can increase the duration of anesthesia, which is used for prolonged surgical interventions.

Patients should under no circumstances self-prescribe the drug. It is prohibited to use the drug for injection on your own. Violation of such rules can lead to undesirable consequences and serious complications.

Popular Strengthen blood vessels with nicotinic acid

Contraindications for use

Since the drug has a serious effect on the body, it also has a number of contraindications. If we talk about older people, the drug is prescribed for them only if there is a real threat to life. But, even in such cases, a low dosage of the drug is used. The drug may be contraindicated in the following circumstances:

• if the patient has symptoms of atherosclerosis;
• high blood pressure;
• when the vessels dilate more than 2 times (aneurysm);
• various stages of diabetes mellitus (due to the fact that glucose levels increase, which can lead to death);
• when thyroid hormones are produced too much;
• with bleeding;
• while carrying a child (the period does not matter);
• in some forms of glaucoma;
• if there is severe intolerance to the components of the product.

In some cases, epinephrine may be used to prolong a patient's anesthesia. But they do this with extreme caution, since adrenaline may enhance the effect of not every anesthetic. During such use of two or more drugs, it is important to maintain compatibility.

Other ways to cheer yourself up

“Adrenaline Rush” works due to caffeine. Drinks that you can prepare yourself will be less harmful, but more effective: black tea, coffee, hot chocolate. They also contain caffeine or its analogues, and sugar can always be added to taste.

An energy drink with a “talking” name is effective during exams and sessions, sports competitions, and increased physical activity, when vigor and tone are especially important. But is the game worth the candle?

What are the benefits of pu-erh tea?

Contraindications

Adrenaline is not prescribed to pregnant and lactating women, as well as to patients who have:

• individual intolerance;
• cardiomyopathy, myocardial ischemia, angina pectoris;
• hypertension or symptomatic arterial hypertension;
• pheochromocytoma;
• arrhythmia - tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation.

Under constant medical supervision, it is used in children, the elderly and for:

• oxygen starvation;
• rhythm disturbances;
• pulmonary hypertension;
• shock due to cardiac dysfunction, injury, blood loss;
• increased formation of thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis);
• widespread atherosclerosis;
• blockage of blood vessels of any origin;
• frostbite;
• diabetes mellitus, diabetic angiopathy;
• convulsive syndrome;
• Parkinson's disease;
• prostate enlargement.

Pulmonary hypertension

What can you feel when adrenaline is released into the blood?

At the moment of a surge of the hormone, a person immediately begins to feel somehow strange and unusual. Someone’s heart begins to pound furiously, their breathing quickens, and sometimes they feel a strong pulsation in the temple area. Others produce copious amounts of saliva and develop an unusual taste in their mouth. For many, sweating increases, this is especially noticeable in the palms, and the legs stop obeying. In any case, these changes are reversible.

It is worth knowing that after excitement, inhibition immediately occurs. The person begins to feel empty and lethargic. The stronger the influence of the hormone, the longer the feeling of lethargy will last.

Alcohol-containing energy drinks

Attention!
In Russia and a number of other countries, the production and sale of energy drinks with added alcohol are prohibited. They are associated with several dangerous effects for humans:

1. A false impression is formed about the degree of intoxication: it is not felt immediately, therefore the risk of alcohol overdose increases.
2. Alcohol suppresses arousal and causes drowsiness, while caffeine increases alertness and reduces sedation. As a result, the brain cannot adequately assess the amount of alcohol entering the body.
3. Dopamine levels increase in the body, which makes you want to drink more.
4. A person does not notice the appearance of headaches, weakness, dry mouth, or lack of coordination of movements.
5. The general effects of the energy drink are enhanced: increased heart rate, sleep problems, and an excited state.

Adrenalin

Source:
Clinical Pharmacology by Goodman and Gilman Volume 1
.
Editor
: Professor A.G.
Gilman Ed.
: Practice, 2006.

Adrenaline is a powerful stimulant of both α and β adrenergic receptors, and therefore its effects are varied and complex. Most of the effects that are given in table. 6.1, occur in response to the administration of exogenous adrenaline. At the same time, many reactions (for example, sweating, piloerection, dilated pupils) depend on the physiological state of the body as a whole. Adrenaline has a particularly strong effect on the heart, as well as on blood vessels and other smooth muscle organs.

Arterial pressure

. Adrenaline is one of the most powerful pressor substances. When administered intravenously in pharmacological doses, it causes a rapid increase in blood pressure, the degree of which directly depends on the dose. At the same time, systolic blood pressure increases more than diastolic blood pressure, that is, pulse blood pressure increases. As the reaction to adrenaline subsides, the average blood pressure may temporarily become lower than the initial value and only then return to its previous value.

The pressor effect of adrenaline is due to three mechanisms: 1) direct stimulating effect on the working myocardium (positive inotropic effect), 2) increase in heart rate (positive chronotropic effect), 3) narrowing of resistive precapillary vessels of many areas (especially skin, mucous membranes and kidneys) and pronounced narrowing veins At the height of the rise in blood pressure, heart rate may decrease due to a reflex increase in parasympathetic tone. In small doses (0.1 mcg/kg), adrenaline can cause a decrease in blood pressure. This effect, as well as the biphasic effect of large doses of adrenaline, is explained by the higher sensitivity of β2-adrenergic receptors (causing vasodilation) to this substance compared to α-adrenergic receptors.

Figure 10.2. Effects of intravenous infusions of epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoprenaline in humans. Allwood et al., 1963.

With subcutaneous or slow intravenous administration of adrenaline, the picture is somewhat different. With subcutaneous administration, adrenaline is absorbed slowly due to local vasoconstriction: the effect of such an injection of 0.5-1.5 mg of adrenaline is the same as with intravenous infusion at a rate of 10-30 mcg/min. There is a moderate increase in systolic blood pressure and cardiac output due to the positive inotropic effect. OPSS decreases due to the fact that activation of β2-adrenergic receptors of skeletal muscle vessels predominates (muscle blood flow increases); as a result, diastolic blood pressure decreases. Since mean blood pressure, as a rule, increases slightly, compensatory baroreflex effects on the heart are weakly expressed. Heart rate, cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular stroke work all increase as a result of both a direct stimulatory effect on the heart and increased venous return (the latter indicated by increased right atrial pressure). At a slightly higher infusion rate, OPSS and diastolic blood pressure may not change or slightly increase, depending on the dose, and, consequently, the relationship between the activation of α- and β-adrenergic receptors in different vascular territories. In addition, compensatory reflex reactions may develop. A comparison of the effects of intravenous infusion of epinephrine, norepinephrine and isoprenaline in humans is shown in Fig. 10.2 and in table. 10.2.

Table 10.2. Reactions to intravenous infusion of epinephrine and norepinephrine in humans"

Blood vessels

. Adrenaline acts primarily on arterioles and precapillary sphincters, although veins and large arteries also respond to it. The vessels of different organs respond to adrenaline in different ways, which leads to a significant redistribution of blood flow.

Exogenous adrenaline causes a sharp decrease in skin blood flow due to narrowing of precapillary vessels and venules. This is why blood flow in the hands and feet decreases. In the mucous membranes, when adrenaline is applied locally, hyperemia develops after the initial vasoconstriction. It is apparently caused not by the activation of β-adrenergic receptors, but by the vascular response to hypoxia.

In humans, therapeutic doses of epinephrine cause an increase in muscle blood flow. It is partly due to a sharp activation of β2-adrenergic receptors, only to a small extent compensated by activation of α-adrenergic receptors. Against the background of α-adrenergic blockers, the dilation of muscle vessels becomes even more pronounced, peripheral vascular resistance and mean blood pressure decrease (paradoxical reaction to adrenaline). On the contrary, against the background of non-selective beta-blockers, blood vessels narrow and blood pressure rises sharply.

The effect of adrenaline on cerebral blood flow is mediated by changes in blood pressure. In therapeutic doses, adrenaline causes only a slight constriction of cerebral vessels. When sympathetic tone increases under stress, cerebral vessels also do not constrict, which is physiologically justified - a possible increase in cerebral blood flow in response to increased blood pressure is limited by autoregulation mechanisms.

At doses that have little effect on mean blood pressure, epinephrine increases renal vascular resistance, reducing renal blood flow by approximately 40%. All renal vessels participate in this reaction. Since GFR changes only slightly, the filtration fraction increases sharply. Excretion of Na+, K+ and SG decreases; diuresis may increase, decrease or remain unchanged. The maximum rates of tubular reabsorption and secretion do not change. As a result of the direct effect of adrenaline on beta-adrenergic receptors of juxtaglomerular cells, renin secretion increases.

Under the influence of adrenaline, the pressure in the pulmonary arteries and veins increases. The reason is not only the direct vasoconstrictor effect of adrenaline on the lungs, but also, of course, the redistribution of blood in favor of the small circle due to the contraction of powerful smooth muscles of the systemic veins. At very high concentrations, epinephrine causes pulmonary edema due to increased filtration pressure in the pulmonary capillaries and possibly increased capillary permeability.

Under physiological conditions, adrenaline and stimulation of the sympathetic cardiac nerves cause an increase in coronary blood flow. This is observed even when doses of epinephrine are administered that do not increase aortic pressure (that is, coronary perfusion pressure). This effect is based on two mechanisms. First, as heart rate increases, the relative duration of diastole increases (see below); however, this is partially counteracted by a decrease in coronary blood flow during systole due to more powerful contraction of the heart and compression of the coronary vessels. If, in addition, the pressure in the aorta increases, then coronary blood flow in diastole increases even more. Secondly, an increase in the strength of contractions and oxygen consumption by the heart leads to the release of vasodilatory metabolites (primarily adenosine); the action of these metabolites overcomes the direct constricting effect of adrenaline on the coronary vessels.

Heart

. Adrenaline has a powerful stimulating effect on the heart. It acts predominantly on β1-adrenergic receptors of the cells of the working myocardium and conduction system, since these receptors predominate in the heart (there are also α- and β2-adrenergic receptors, although their content in the heart greatly depends on the type of animal).

Recently, the role of β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors in the regulation of the heart in humans, and especially in the development of heart failure, has attracted great interest. Under the influence of adrenaline, heart rate increases, and arrhythmias often occur. Systole is shortened, the strength of contractions and cardiac output increase, the work of the heart and its oxygen consumption increase sharply. The efficiency of the heart, measured by the ratio of work to oxygen consumption, decreases. The primary effects of adrenaline include an increase in the strength of contractions, the rate of increase in pressure in the phase of isovolumic tension and the decrease in pressure in the phase of isovolumic relaxation, a decrease in the time to reach maximum intraventricular pressure, an increase in excitability, an increase in heart rate and automatism of cells of the conduction system.

By increasing heart rate, adrenaline simultaneously shortens systole, so that the duration of diastole usually does not decrease. This is achieved, in particular, due to the fact that activation of β-adrenergic receptors is accompanied by an increase in the rate of diastolic relaxation. The increase in heart rate is due to the acceleration of spontaneous diastolic depolarization (phase 4) of the cells of the sinus node; in this case, the membrane potential quickly reaches a critical level at which an action potential occurs (Chapter 35). The amplitude and slope of the action potential also increase. Migration of the pacemaker within the sinus node is often observed (due to the activation of latent pacemakers). Adrenaline increases the rate of spontaneous diastolic depolarization in Purkinje fibers, which can also lead to activation of latent pacemakers. These changes are not observed in working cardiomyocytes, since in phase 4 they do not register spontaneous diastolic depolarization, but a stable resting potential. In high doses, adrenaline can cause ventricular extrasystoles - harbingers of more serious rhythm disturbances. When using therapeutic doses in humans, this is rarely observed, however, in conditions of increased sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline (for example, under the influence of certain drugs for general anesthesia) or during myocardial infarction, the release of endogenous adrenaline can cause ventricular extrasystoles, ventricular tachycardia and even ventricular fibrillation. The mechanisms of this phenomenon are poorly understood.

Some effects of adrenaline on the heart are due to an increase in heart rate and are not observed under conditions of an imposed rhythm or are inconsistent. These include, for example, changes in the repolarization of working cardiomyocytes of the atria and ventricles and Purkinje fibers. An increase in heart rate itself causes a shortening of the action potential, and therefore the refractory period.

Conduction in the system of Purkinje fibers depends on their membrane potential at the moment of arrival of the excitation wave. Severe depolarization leads to conduction disturbances, from slowing to blockade. Under these conditions, adrenaline often restores normal membrane potential, and thereby conductivity.

Adrenaline shortens the refractory period of the AV node (although in those doses at which heart rate decreases due to a reflex increase in parasympathetic tone, adrenaline can also cause an indirect prolongation of this period). In addition, epinephrine reduces the degree of AV block caused by heart disease, certain medications, or increased parasympathetic tone. Against the background of increased parasympathetic tone, adrenaline can cause supraventricular arrhythmias. In adrenaline-induced ventricular arrhythmias, parasympathetic influences also appear to play a role, leading to a slowdown in the frequency of sinus node discharges and AV conduction velocity. This is confirmed by the fact that the risk of such arrhythmias is reduced with drugs that reduce parasympathetic effects on the heart. The increase in cardiac automaticity under the influence of adrenaline and its arrhythmogenic effect are effectively suppressed by β-blockers, such as propranolol. Most structures of the heart also contain α1-adrenergic receptors; their activation leads to a lengthening of the refractory period and an increase in the strength of contractions.

Cardiac arrhythmias have been described in humans after accidental intravenous administration of adrenaline in doses intended for intravenous administration. Ventricular extrasystoles occurred, followed by polytopic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Adrenaline pulmonary edema is also known. Under the influence of adrenaline in healthy individuals, the amplitude of the T wave decreases. In animals, when relatively high doses are administered, other changes in the T wave and ST segment are observed: the T wave, after a decrease, becomes biphasic, and the ST segment deviates in one direction or another from the isoline. The same changes in the ST segment are observed in patients with coronary artery disease with spontaneous or adrenaline-induced angina, and therefore these changes are attributed to myocardial ischemia. In addition, epinephrine and other catecholamines can cause the death of cardiomyocytes, especially when administered intravenously. Acute toxic effects of adrenaline are manifested by contracture damage to myofibrils and other pathomorphological changes. Recently, the question of whether prolonged sympathetic stimulation of the heart (for example, in heart failure) can cause apoptosis of cardiomyocytes has been actively studied.

Gastrointestinal tract, uterus and urinary tract

. The effect of adrenaline on different smooth muscle organs depends on which adrenergic receptors predominate in them (Table 6.1). Its effect on blood vessels is of the utmost physiological importance; the impact on the gastrointestinal tract is not nearly as significant. Typically, adrenaline causes relaxation of gastrointestinal smooth muscle due to the activation of both α- and β-adrenergic receptors. Intestinal tone and the frequency of its spontaneous contractions decrease. The stomach usually relaxes, and the pyloric sphincter and cecal sphincter contract, but these effects depend on the initial tone. If this tone is high, then adrenaline causes relaxation, and if it is low, it causes contraction.

The effect of adrenaline on the uterus depends on the type of animal, the phase of the menstrual (estrous) cycle, pregnancy and its stage, as well as the dose. In vitro, adrenaline causes contraction of the stripes of both pregnant and non-pregnant human uteruses due to activation of α-adrenergic receptors. In vivo, the effect of adrenaline is more complex; in the last month of pregnancy and during pregnancy, it causes, on the contrary, a decrease in the tone and contractile activity of the uterus. In this regard, selective β2-agonists (for example, ritodrine and terbutaline) are used in cases of threatened preterm labor, although their effectiveness is low. The effects of these and other tocolytic agents are discussed below.

Adrenaline causes relaxation of the detrusor muscle (due to activation of beta-adrenergic receptors) and contraction of the vesical triangle and bladder sphincter (due to activation of α-adrenergic receptors). This (as well as increased contractions of the smooth muscles of the prostate gland) can lead to difficulty starting urination and urinary retention.

Respiratory system

. The effect of adrenaline on the respiratory system comes down mainly to relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchi. The powerful bronchodilatory effect of adrenaline is further enhanced under conditions of bronchospasm - which occurs, for example, during an attack of bronchial asthma or as a result of taking certain medications. In such cases, adrenaline plays the role of an antagonist of bronchoconstrictor substances, and its effect can be extremely strong.

The effectiveness of epinephrine in bronchial asthma may also be associated with the suppression of antigen-induced release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells and, to a lesser extent, with a decrease in the secretion of tracheobronchial glands and a decrease in mucosal edema. Suppression of mast cell degranulation is due to activation of β2-adrenoreceptors, and the effect on the bronchial mucosa is due to activation of α-adrenoreceptors. However, in bronchial asthma, the anti-inflammatory effects of substances such as glucocorticoids and leukotriene antagonists are much stronger (Chapter 28).

CNS

. The adrenaline molecule is quite polar, so it does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier well and does not have a psychostimulating effect in therapeutic doses. Restlessness, anxiety, headache and tremor, which often occur with the administration of epinephrine, are explained rather by its effects on the cardiovascular system, skeletal muscles and metabolism; in other words, they can arise as a result of a mental reaction to somatic and vegetative manifestations characteristic of stress. Some other adrenergic agents are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism

. Adrenaline affects many metabolic processes. It increases the concentrations of glucose and lactic acid in the blood (Chapter 6). Activation of α2-adrenergic receptors leads to inhibition of insulin production, and β2-adrenergic receptors - vice versa; When adrenaline acts, the inhibitory component predominates. By acting on the P-adrenergic receptors of the α-cells of the pancreatic islets, adrenaline stimulates the secretion of glucagon. It also inhibits tissue glucose uptake, at least in part through inhibition of insulin production, but also possibly through a direct effect on skeletal muscle. Glucosuria is rarely caused by adrenaline. In most tissues and most animal species, epinephrine stimulates gluconeogenesis by activating β-adrenergic receptors (Chapter 6).

Acting on beta-adrenergic receptors of lipocytes, adrenaline activates hormone-sensitive lipase, which leads to the breakdown of triglycerides to glycerol and free fatty acids and an increase in the level of the latter in the blood. Under the influence of adrenaline, basal metabolism increases (when using normal therapeutic doses, oxygen consumption increases by 20-30%). This is mainly due to increased breakdown of brown adipose tissue.

Other effects

. Under the influence of adrenaline, the filtration of protein-free fluid into the tissue increases. As a result, the BCC decreases and the relative content of red blood cells and proteins in the blood increases. Normally, ordinary doses of adrenaline have almost no such effect, but it is observed with shock, blood loss, arterial hypotension and general anesthesia. Adrenaline causes a rapid increase in the number of neutrophils in the blood, apparently due to a decrease in their marginal position mediated by β-adrenergic receptors. In both animals and humans, adrenaline accelerates blood clotting and fibrinolysis.

The effect of adrenaline on the exocrine glands is weak. In most cases, their secretion is somewhat reduced, partly due to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow. Adrenaline increases tear production and causes the formation of a small amount of viscous saliva. With systemic administration of adrenaline, piloerection and sweating almost do not occur, but with intradermal administration of adrenaline or norepinephrine in low concentrations, they are quite pronounced. This effect is eliminated by α-blockers.

Irritation of the sympathetic nerves almost always causes the pupils to dilate, but adrenaline instilled into the eyes does not have this effect. At the same time, it usually causes a decrease in intraocular pressure, both in normal conditions and in open-angle glaucoma. The mechanism of this is not clear: apparently, there is both a decrease in the formation of aqueous humor due to vasoconstriction, and an improvement in its outflow (Chapter 66).

Adrenaline itself does not cause excitation of skeletal mice, but it facilitates conduction at neuromuscular synapses, especially with prolonged and frequent irritation of motor nerves. Stimulation of α-adrenergic receptors (obviously α-adrenergic receptors) at the endings of motor somatic nerves increases the amount of released acetylcholine, apparently due to increased Ca2″ entry into these endings; It is interesting that in the endings of the autonomic nerves, activation of a2-adrenergic receptors leads, on the contrary, to a decrease in the release of the mediator. This may partly explain the short-term increase in muscle strength when adrenaline is injected into the arteries of the limbs in patients with myasthenia gravis. In addition, adrenaline has a direct effect on white (fast) muscle fibers, prolonging their active state and thereby increasing maximum tension. A more important physiological and clinical effect is the ability of epinephrine and selective β2-agonists to enhance natural tremor. This ability is due, at least in part, to a β-adrenergic receptor-mediated increase in muscle spindle discharge.

Epinephrine reduces the concentration of K+ in the blood, mainly through β2-adrenergic receptor-mediated uptake of K+ into tissues, and especially skeletal muscles. This is accompanied by a decrease in renal K+ excretion. This feature of β2-adrenergic receptors is used in the treatment of familial hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, a disease characterized by attacks of flaccid paralysis, hyperkalemia and depolarization of skeletal muscles. The selective β2-adrenergic agonist salbutamol appears to partially restore the ability of muscles to capture and retain K+ in such patients.

Large doses or repeated administrations of epinephrine and other adrenergic drugs cause arterial and myocardial damage in animals. This damage can be so severe that necrotic foci appear in the heart, indistinguishable from infarction. The mechanism of this action is not clear, but it is quite effectively prevented by α- and beta-blockers and calcium antagonists. Similar lesions occur in patients with pheochromocytoma or after long-term administration of norepinephrine.

Pharmacokinetics

. As already mentioned, adrenaline when taken orally is ineffective, as it quickly oxidizes and conjugates in the gastrointestinal mucosa and in the liver. Its absorption during subcutaneous administration occurs slowly due to local vasospasm, and in case of arterial hypotension (for example, shock) it can slow down even more. With intramuscular administration, adrenaline is absorbed faster. In emergency cases, it is sometimes necessary to administer intravenous adrenaline. When inhaling nebulized solutions of adrenaline, even quite concentrated (1%), it acts primarily on the respiratory tract, although systemic reactions (for example, cardiac arrhythmias) have also been described, especially at a high total dose.

Elimination of adrenaline occurs quickly. The main role in it is played by the liver, which is rich in COMT and MAO, both enzymes responsible for the metabolism of adrenaline (Fig. 6.5). Normally, the content of adrenaline in the urine is very low, but with pheochromocytoma, the concentration of adrenaline, norepinephrine and their metabolites increases sharply.

There are several adrenaline preparations. They are intended for use for different indications and for administration in different ways: there are preparations for injection (usually subcutaneous, but in special cases - intravenous), inhalation, and topical use. In an alkaline solution, adrenaline is unstable: in air it first turns pink due to oxidation with the formation of adrenochrome, and then turns brown due to the formation of polymers. Adrenaline for injection exists in the form of solutions of 1:1000, 1:10,000 and 1:100,000. Adults are usually administered 0.3-0.5 mg of adrenaline subcutaneously. If you need to get a quick and reliable effect, then administer intravenous adrenaline with caution. In this case, adrenaline should be diluted and administered very slowly; the dose rarely exceeds 0.25 mg, except in cases of circulatory arrest. Epinephrine in suspension is slowly absorbed when administered subcutaneously; This drug should never be given intravenously. There is also a 1:100(1%) solution for inhalation. Every precaution must be taken to ensure that this solution is not confused with the 1:1000 (0.1%) solution for injection: parenteral administration of the 1:100 solution may cause death.

Side effects and contraindications

. Unpleasant side effects of adrenaline include restlessness, throbbing headache, tremors, and palpitations. All these effects quickly disappear if the patient is reassured and advised to lie down.

There are also more severe complications. The use of large doses of adrenaline or its too rapid intravenous administration can lead to a sharp increase in blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke. Arrhythmias caused by adrenaline, in particular ventricular ones, are known. In patients with coronary artery disease, adrenaline can cause an attack of angina.

Epinephrine is usually contraindicated in patients taking non-selective β-blockers; in these conditions, the predominant activation of vascular α1-adrenergic receptors can cause a sharp rise in blood pressure and hemorrhagic stroke.

Application

. There are few indications for prescribing adrenaline. As a rule, its effects on the heart, blood vessels and bronchi are used. In the past, epinephrine was used to relieve bronchospasm, but selective β2-agonists are now preferred. An important indication is allergic reactions (especially anaphylactic) to medications and other allergens. Epinephrine is administered together with local anesthetics to prolong their action (the mechanism appears to be local vasospasm). With asystole of various origins, adrenaline can restore the activity of the heart. Locally, adrenaline is used to stop bleeding, for example, during tooth extraction (systemic reactions are possible) or gastroduodenoscopy. Finally, adrenaline is used for post-intubation laryngeal stenosis or false croup. The clinical use of epinephrine will be discussed below when other adrenergic agents are discussed.

Adrenaline addiction

Adrenaline has a lot of special effects that appear when it enters the bloodstream and excite the entire body. This effect is associated with extreme sports or thrill-seekers, such as riding on the roof of a train.

As with any addiction, in order to experience the peak of pleasure, you need to increase the dosage, which often leads to unpredictable and sad consequences.

The need for a dose of adrenaline arises at the biochemical level and is inextricably linked with mental factors.

The adrenal hormone adrenaline is required for the regulation of body functions; it helps the body adapt to a stressful situation and overcome it. Frequent adrenaline rushes have negative consequences. In small quantities, its artificial form is actively used in medicine .

Analogs

In pharmacy chains, the drug is sold under the trade names Adrenaline (Epinephrine) or Adrenaline hydrochloride.

Plisov Vladimir, doctor, medical observer

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How does adrenaline work?

The starting materials are amino acids and protein-rich foods. Adrenaline belongs to catecholamines, and is the last, strongest link. Norepinephrine and dopamine are also related to catecholamines, but they are felt much softer.

During a sudden stressful situation, this hormone is produced by our adrenal glands. But the production and release of a substance into the blood does not mean anything. To work, adrenaline, like any other hormone or neurotransmitter, needs to attach to specific receptors on a cell so that this cell sharply feels that adrenaline has attached itself to it like a leech.

This entire seemingly complex process takes a split second. Try jumping into an ice hole and in a second you will be invigorated like the most powerful psychostimulant.)

Briefly about adrenaline

Adrenaline is a neurotransmitter. This is a substance that serves as a conductor between a nerve cell and muscle tissue. It is believed that adrenaline plays the role of an excitatory neurotransmitter, but the mechanism of its action has not yet been fully understood.

It is also a hormone produced in the adrenal glands and found in varying concentrations in almost all tissues of the body. Its main purpose is to prepare a person for an emergency situation, reduce the risk of mortality, and help survive the negative impact. Therefore, adrenaline is released in the following cases:

• for burns;
• for fractures;
• in various potentially dangerous situations.

Some people, knowing the trigger for the synthesis of adrenaline, provoke a similar situation and enjoy the effect of the hormone.

Useful benefits

The benefits of the Adrenaline Rush brand energy drink do not concern health issues, but only convenience and the need to “recharge”:

• invigorates;
• suitable for athletes and workaholics;
• helps men endure increased physical activity;
• copes with drowsiness and loss of strength during irregular hours;
• In case of a hangover, it brings you back to your senses faster, activating mental activity.

Energy drinks are highly addictive, so it is not recommended to drink them every day. The permissible amount per day is 0.5 liters BEFORE, and not AFTER, physical activity.

Do not mix Adrenaline Rush with coffee, tea, or alcohol - it is life-threatening.

Contraindications for use

Along with the indications for use, there are also a number of prohibitions on the use of adrenaline. It should not be used simultaneously with drugs that, in combination with adrenaline, can cause adrenaline.

The following condition also becomes an absolute contraindication:

1. Thyrotoxicosis;
2. Atherosclerosis;
3. Pregnancy - only if there is a threat to life;
4. Lactation;
5. Glaucoma.

There is also a risk group for using adrenaline. It includes hypertensive patients and people who have blood problems.

Using the hormone yourself is strictly prohibited, since it has a fairly strong effect on the body. A doctor can use such a drug after assessing the condition and risks.

Lack of adrenaline

There are situations when tests show that there is not enough adrenaline in the body, which explains a protracted form of depression, melancholy, and a depressed state. Such people often intuitively abuse alcohol, drugs, and various psychotropic drugs to compensate for the lack of hormones.

This should not be done under any circumstances, and in order to increase the level of the hormone, experts recommend using healthier methods that strengthen the body. These can be medications selected by the doctor; if you do not want to take medications, you can go in for sports and other types of vigorous activity.

This could be hiking in the mountains, kayaking, going down a mountain river, surfing, diving, parachute jumping. If this is not possible, you can go on attractions: high-flying swings, a Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster will raise your adrenaline levels well. The main thing is not to get too carried away and always remember safety measures.

Impact on processes in the body

The hormone affects the functioning of organs, and they, in turn, change some physiological processes. Knowing this, doctors can use pharmaceutical adrenaline in the treatment of certain diseases and in the correction of the functions of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.

May be interesting: All ways to naturally increase testosterone in men

Effect on metabolism

It is known that adrenaline has an effect on most vital metabolic processes in the body. This substance helps increase glucose, which is necessary for metabolism in tissues. In addition, adrenaline helps accelerate the breakdown of fats and prevents their overproduction.

Mechanism of action of the hormone adrenaline

For glucose levels

An increase in blood glucose levels occurs due to the breakdown of glycogen. At the same time, the changes in the body are ambiguous: glucose levels rise, but tissue cells starve. Excess glucose is excreted through the kidneys, which increases the load on this organ.

Use against allergies

It has been established that adrenaline helps fight allergic manifestations. When its concentration in the blood increases, the synthesis of other hormones is inhibited, including:

• serotonin;
• histamine;
• leukotriene;
• kinina;
• prostaglandin.

These are allergic mediators, which are also participants in inflammatory processes. Therefore, adrenaline can also perform an anti-inflammatory function and has antispasmodic and anti-edematous effects on the bronchi. For this reason, epinephrine drugs are used to combat anaphylactic shock.

The hormone stimulates the removal of more leukocytes from the spleen depot and activates bone marrow tissue. It has been established that during inflammatory processes, including infectious ones, the “release” of adrenaline increases in the adrenal medulla. This is a unique mechanism of protection against pathologies, transmitted from person to person at the genetic level.

Combination with alcohol

When used simultaneously with alcohol, Adrenaline Rush initially masks the symptoms of severe intoxication. But the next morning it becomes much worse than with a normal hangover:

• the body experiences a large-scale loss of fluid, which manifests itself in the form of severe thirst;
• dehydration provokes headaches, poor health, absent-mindedness, and fatigue.

According to research, the combination of alcoholic drinks with energy drinks has similar effects on humans to cocaine and disrupts brain activity.