epinephrine

or ep·i·neph·rin

[ ep-uh-nef-rin, -reen ]

noun

1. Also called adrenaline. Biochemistry. a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla upon stimulation by the central nervous system in response to stress, as anger or fear, and acting to increase heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and carbohydrate metabolism.
2. Also Trademark, A·dren·al·in []. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, extracted from the adrenal glands of sheep and cattle, or synthesized: used chiefly as a heart stimulant, to constrict the blood vessels, and to relax the bronchi in asthma.

epinephrine

/ ˌɛpɪˈnɛfrɪn; -riːn /

noun

1. a US name for adrenaline

epinephrine

/ ĕp′ə-nĕf′rĭn /

1. A hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland in response to physical or mental stress, as from fear, and is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. The release of epinephrine causes an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. Epinephrine also raises glucose levels in the blood for use as fuel when more alertness or greater physical effort is needed. Also called adrenaline. Chemical formula: C 9 H 13 NO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of epinephrine¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; epi- + Greek nephr ( ós ) kidney + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of epinephrine¹

C19: from epi- + nephro- + -ine ²

Example Sentences

University of Michigan researchers have developed a new tool to better understand how chemicals like dopamine and epinephrine interact with neurons.

From Science Daily

The technique does seem to increase epinephrine, causing an increase in a substance in the body called interleukin-10, which can reduce inflammation, said Omar Almahayni, of the University of Warwick in the U.K.

From Salon

The targeted patents cover devices that propel medicines for asthma and emphysema into the lungs or inject epinephrine to treat a severe allergic attack.

From Salon

Results will help pinpoint values associated with anaphylaxis to determine "stopping rules" to end oral food challenges, hopefully reducing the need for epinephrine injections.

From Science Daily

Before the launch, Dr. Mayer tested the liquids to make sure each vial contained good epinephrine.

From NewsForKids.net