Definition
Adrenalin/epinephrine is a neurotransmitter produced by and released from the adrenal glands. Release of this chemical activates the sympathetic nervous system through the alpha-adrenergic and beta-adrenergic receptor families and produces the classic “fight-or-flight response” including increased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate. While this system is adaptive in the context of acutely stressful events, prolonged stress can produce a chronic overactivation of the adrenergic system. This overactivation is implicated in the development and progression of chronic health problems including hypertension and coronary artery disease.
Cross-References
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsAuthor information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media, New York
About this entry
Cite this entry
Johnson, D. (2013). Adrenergic Activation. In: Gellman, M.D., Turner, J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_1204
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_1204
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1004-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1005-9
eBook Packages: MedicineReference Module Medicine