EPINEPHRINE - Definition

Pronunciation:		`epu'nefrin
WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] a catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action

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	Synonyms:	Adrenalin, adrenaline, epinephrin

	See Also:	catecholamine, hormone, internal secretion, neurotransmitter, vasoconstrictive, vasoconstrictor

Medical Dictionary

	Definition:	one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases heart rate and force of the heart contraction, and narrows blood vessels.

Biology Dictionary

	Definition:	A chemical produced and secreted by the adrenal glands. It can act as a stimulant, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and other functions. It is a neurotransmitter, or substance which transmits nerve signals from neuron to neuron, and is also a hormone that helps break glycogen (a polysaccharide) down into glucose (a simple sugar). It has the chemical formula C₉H₁₃NO₃.