Adrenaline vs Epinephrine – Difference and Comparison

What is Adrenaline?

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word adrenaline is something exhilarating, like a roller coaster ride or a life-threatening event. Adrenaline therapy for the treatment of cardiac disease is not a new concept. It has been used to treat specific types of anaphylaxis for many years (severe allergic reactions).

Chronic heart failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, and cardiac arrest are also routinely treated with adrenaline (when the heart suddenly stops beating).In these situations, adrenaline assists the heart in continuing to pump until further treatments can be used.

People with congenital cardiac abnormalities, which cause blood to flow more slowly through their bodies, may also occasionally benefit from adrenaline administration. In certain instances, adrenaline forces blood arteries known as veins to constrict, resulting in increased pressure in the veins around the heart and the forced return of more blood. In extreme situations that would necessitate surgery, this treatment can help to slow or even temporarily stop the bleeding.

What is Epinephrine?

Known as the “fight or flight” hormone, Epinephrine is produced by the body in response to stress. These unnoticed bodily functions are controlled by the adrenal glands’ release of this hormone, part of the body’s autonomic nervous system. Throughout a person’s life, their bodies will manufacture modest levels of Epinephrine. EpiPens are used to treat people who have severe allergic reactions.

When the medicine binds to specific receptors in the body known as alpha-1 receptors, it begins to operate. When this occurs, some molecules in the body become more active, which can aid in the restoration of normal blood pressure and other bodily functions. In addition, the medication relaxes the muscles in the lungs, which helps to prevent respiratory failure in severe cases. Epinephrine can also be administered intravenously or by injection into a muscle, depending on the situation.

You or someone close to you has likely had an allergic response in the recent past. Symptoms of these responses include itchiness, hives, and swelling, which can progress to trouble breathing and shock. Foods that cause these reactions are found in shellfish, almonds, and berries.

Difference Between Adrenaline and Epinephrine

  1. Adrenaline and Epinephrine are used to treat cardiac arrest and hypotension (low blood pressure).
  2. The hormone adrenaline helps your body deal with stress & dangerous or harmful events, while Epinephrine can be helpful if you need to fight or run away from something and have more energy. If you don’t control it, it can hurt your health.
  3. On the other hand, adrenaline comprises a distinct set of amino acids than Epinephrine. Phenylalanine is the building block for adrenaline, while tyrosine is the building block for Epinephrine.
  4. Adrenaline, unlike Epinephrine, does not include sulfur; hence it has distinct chemical features. On the other hand, sulfur, carbon, & hydrogen make up the epinephrine molecule‘s structure.
  5. The adrenaline hormone is secreted into the bloodstream in times of danger or stress. Unlike adrenaline, which is synthesized by the adrenal glands, Epinephrine is synthesized by the body.

Comparison Between Adrenaline and Epinephrine

Parameters of ComparisonAdrenalineEpinephrine
TypeSuppresses the body’s responsiveness to external stimuli.    As a sympathomimetic drug, Epipen works by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system.
Another nameAmong other names for adrenaline, you could hear the term “epinephrine” or “epinephrine rush.”Other names for Epinephrine are adrenaline and norepinephrine.
ResponseAdrenaline, a neurotransmitter inside the brain, regulates the heartbeat, blood pressure, & respiration of a body’s occupants.Epinephrine is a chemical released in response to stress, terror, and other emotional states.
StructureIt is derived from phenylalanine, which is the building block of adrenaline.Tyrosine serves as a building block for epinephrine production.
ReceptorsWhen you take adrenaline, you stimulate the release of adrenergic receptors from numerous subgroups (adrenergic receptor subtypes 1–2, 1–2, 3), as well as several subtypes of the adrenergic receptor subtype 2A–2C.Adenosine triphosphate binds to both adrenergic receptor subtypes: beta and alpha.
PropertiesIt is believed that adrenaline offers you more energy because it activates your neurological system, boosts your heart rate, and opens up your airways, making it easier for you to breathe.Also known as adrenaline, this hormone dilates blood vessels and increases the production of glucose (sugar) by the liver, which increases overall energy levels.
Founded byHeinrich Drysdale Dakin and Friedrich Stolz both formed their own company, Adrenaline, in the year 1904.German chemist Friedrich Stolz discovered Epinephrine in 1904 and published his findings in 1905.

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300957211006423
  2. https://www.bmj.com/content/327/7427/1332?tab=responses&ld=20140101&ap=3&app=1&c=uk.dogpl&s=dogpileuk&coi=239138&cop=main-title&euip=66.249.77.120&npp=3&p=0&pp=0&pvaid=09bebdb9449c43aab6716adc1dda6cd4&ep=3&mid=9&en=qD9Z4iWOaaPlhngGE2dCw8AB6g1YUAk6exyPXtpCYBrFbShTfF8rjA==&hash=A82BE141B4D3D03EC9E34B3F3C54200A