Essay Sample on Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Introduction

Epinephrine and norepinephrine belong to the group of compounds known as catecholamines. World health organization, (2015) indicates that the two compounds have similar chemical characteristics and functions as neurotransmitters and hormones. However, epinephrine `s chemical structure has a methyl group connected to its hydrogen while the norepinephrine methyl group is replaced by a hydrogen atom. The compounds stimulate the nervous system and its associated organs such as the brain; and other body systems. World health organization (2015) observes that though the chemical composition of adrenalin and noradrenaline is similar, epinephrine functions effectively on alpha and beta receptors. Note that beta receptors are located in the heart, lungs, and arteries of skeletal muscles while alpha receptors are found in the arteries.

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Epinephrine and norepinephrine are both used as medications and hormones but have slight differences on the diseases and disorders treated. Adrenaline is used to treat various medical conditions such as asthma, heart diseases and disorders, anaphylaxis, croup, and various forms of bleeding. According to the World health organization, (2015), epinephrine is one of the most effective and safe medicines. The drug is administered through injections or inhalations. According to Ginger, (2016), adrenaline used as medication goes under different trade names such as asthmanefrin, nephron, vaponefron, adrenaclick, epipen among others. According to Lin, et al, (2014), adrenaline is added to anesthetics to prolong the activity of the aesthetic components. The drug also minimizes the bleeding of patients during operations. On the other hand, norepinephrine is used to treat septic shock, an infection that causes low blood pressure (World health organization. 2015). However, epinephrine is not preferred to treat septic shocks due to its impure receptor action. Norepinephrine is used as an injectable drug to treat acute low blood pressure. Medications that increase the levels of norepinephrine in the bloodstream can treat victims of ADHD and apprehensions.

According to World health organization (2015), usage of the epinephrine has numerous side effects such as fast and irregular heartbeat, heavy body sweating, apprehension, headache, and high blood pressure. The treatment of glaucoma using adrenaline results to the development of adrenochrome pigments in the various eye tissues such as iris, conjunctiva, lens, and retina.

Medical researches by Lin, et al, (2014) shows that epinephrine is normally manufactured by Adrenal glands and neurons. It is secreted during frightening, stressful or threatening cases. On the other hand, Norepinephrine is produced at the nuclei of the brain cells such as locus coeruleus found in the brain pons.

Lin, et al, (2014) notes that adrenaline also acts as a hormone on all body tissues. The effect of the hormone is determined by different variables such as tissue type and tissue expression. Adrenaline improves microcirculation by increasing the aortic, cerebral, and carotid circulation pressures hence increase oxygen exchange levels at the capillaries. Norepinephrine can be converted into epinephrine through complex enzyme action in the presence of a cofactor. Ginger, (2016) shows that both adrenaline and noradrenaline compounds affect the heart and glucose levels in the blood vessels such as arteries and veins. Nevertheless, norepinephrine can make the blood vessels narrower.

Conclusion

Though the two compounds are similar neurotransmitters and hormones, epinephrine mostly has effects on the heart while norepinephrine normally affects operations of the blood vessels. They act as natural responses to fight response to stress and are both used as medications.

References

Ginger, S. (2016). Can you get a cheaper Epipen? Consumer reports

Lin, S., Callaway, C. W., Shah, P. S., Wagner, J. D., Beyene, J., Ziegler, C. P., & Morrison, L. J. (2014). Adrenaline for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest resuscitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. resuscitation, 85(6), 732-740.

World health organization. (2015). WHO model list of essential medicines.