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How does the epinephrine work?

Epinephrine mechanism of action

Epinephrine works on four major receptors found on cells in certain organ systems, i.e. heart, lungs, arteries.  The four major receptors are alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, beta-2.  These receptors cause the body to prepare for fight or flight (Imagine a mugger jumping out of the bushes). 

When alpha 1 is stimulated, arteries constrict, veins dilate, uterus contracts, eyes dilate, bladder sphincter contracts, hairs erect, nose dries up, sweat is released.  When alpha 2 is stimulated veins constrict, gut relaxes, insulin decreases, and other alpha 1 functions reverse.  Beta 1 activation causes increase rate and force of heart contraction,  salt and water reuptake in the kidneys, and fat lipolysis.  Beta 2 activation causes more blood supply to the muscles, bronchodilation in the lungs, and stops bladder contraction.    

On the cellular level, stimulation of beta receptors activates intracellular protein in the following sequence; receptor to stimulatory G protein to increase cyclic AMP to phosphorylate protein kinase and finally various proteins.  Alpha receptors use a similar but different cascade of changes in the cell. 

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