Does exercise trigger Epinephrine/Norepinephrine production?
Epinepherine and norepinepherine (or adrenaline and noradrenaline as we Brits call them) are neurotransmitters and are produced in two places – the adrenal glands (hence the ‘epi’ – above and ‘nephr-‘ -kidney) and sympathetic nerve terminals. Any increase in sympathetic activity (lion, ghost or exercise) will increase the circulating levels of these chemicals. The differences are – 1. (Slightly) different chemical structure – epinephrine has an extra methyl group 2. Epinephrine acts at alpha-1 and -2, and beta-1 and -2 receptors 3. Norepinephrine acts at all of the above EXCEPT beta-2 receptors There are other physicochemical properties that will differ (melting point, molecular mass) – but I cannot recall these I am afraid. In intensive care, Norepinephrine is used for situations where peripheral vasculature cannot constrict causing low blood pressures (such as sepsis). Adrenaline is used to promote the actions of the heart in addition (such as after a cardiac arrest). Hope this helps
