Epinephrine and Nonepinephrine : What is the difference?

[JerryClower]

What is the difference between what these two hormones do? I have read answers but they were way too complex to understand. Will someone please tell me the difference?

 

[DanP]

What is the difference between what these two hormones do? I have read answers but they were way too complex to understand. Will someone please tell me the difference?

I don't know how "deep" must be your understand of the differences. For a cursory understanding will suffice to know that

- both mediate similar effects
- nor-adrenaline is almost totally liberated as a neurotransmitter from symphatethic nerve terminals, hence it is not a "true" hormone (look-up adrenergic transmission in a textbook)
- adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal medulla, and is a true hormone in every sense of the word
- both are refereed as cathecolamines, both being amine of a cathecol nucleus

 

[JerryClower]

Wise answer, my friend.

 

[AyazM]

How "similar" both tend to act is only a function of how much you want to delve into this topic. For records, just realize their actions are more dissimilar rather than similar, although the wide spectrum of their actions constitute the functioning of sympathetic nervous system.

Epinephrine is actually a derivative of norepinephrine with an extra methyl group (-CH₃). BOTH are released into blood stream as hormones, although the concentration of epinephrine is much greater than norepinephrine because of its greater release from adrenal medulla compared to its parent compound. Adrenals are unique because they contain Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase that can methylate norepinephrine whereas the nerve terminals lack this enzyme.

Just one more important point: Epinephrine acts on all Alpha and Beta receptors whereas norepinephrine is devoid of Beta₂ effects.

 

[LudusRex]

Epinephrine and norepinephrine are two hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands and play important roles in the body's response to stress. The main difference between these two hormones is their specific effects on different parts of the body.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the primary hormone responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to the muscles, preparing the body for physical activity in response to a perceived threat. Epinephrine also triggers the release of glucose from the liver, providing the body with a quick source of energy.

On the other hand, norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, has a more localized effect on the body. It primarily acts as a neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's involuntary responses, such as heart rate and blood pressure. Norepinephrine helps regulate blood flow to different parts of the body, such as the skin and digestive system, and also plays a role in attention and arousal.

In summary, the main difference between epinephrine and norepinephrine is their specific effects on different parts of the body. Epinephrine prepares the body for physical activity in response to stress, while norepinephrine helps regulate the body's involuntary responses and plays a role in attention and arousal.