Epinephrine

"Epinephrine release" is not a molecule or receptor; it refers to the physiological process by which the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline) is secreted into the bloodstream. Epinephrine is produced mainly in the adrenal medulla from tyrosine via several enzymatic steps. Its secretion is triggered primarily by stress signals through activation of the sympathetic nervous system—the classic “fight-or-flight” response. Once released, epinephrine acts on alpha and beta adrenergic receptors throughout various tissues to increase heart rate and contractility, raise blood glucose levels via hepatic glycogen breakdown, dilate airways in the lungs, constrict some vascular beds while dilating others (notably skeletal muscle), and prepare multiple organ systems for acute physical exertion or danger. The actions of epinephrine are terminated by metabolic breakdown via enzymes such as catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase.\n\nBecause \"epinephrine release\" describes a process rather than a discrete molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme—and because there is no canonical abbreviation nor direct drug targeting—it should not be considered a therapeutic target per se. Instead, drugs may modulate this process indirectly by acting on upstream regulators or downstream effectors.

Other names

Adrenaline

Drugs targeting the adrenergic system act by: Agonizing or antagonizing alpha and beta adrenergic receptors to modulate cardiovascular tone, bronchodilation/constriction, metabolic effects such as glycogenolysis and lipolysis.