Another energy source is accessed as the triggering of lypolysis breaks down fat into ketones (the other energy source). This in turn enables the formation of ATP and the fueling of muscular contraction. Glycolysis is triggered in the muscles, which involves the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate. The liver stops producing insulin and the muscles and liver break down glycogen into glucose. This opens the airways and allows for better oxygen delivery to the cells of the body, as well as CO2 removal from the bloodstream.Įpinephrine also triggers some metabolic changes that free up quite a bit of glucose. It also causes bronchodilation and increased respiration. It causes vasoconstriction, or the clamping down, of some blood vessels and vasodilation, or the relaxation, of others. It gets us ready to handle stress by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and the ability of the heart to pump blood efficiently. It’s produced by the adrenal medulla and the central nervous system and is a major component of the “flight or fight” response. It’s an antagonist of alpha-1, alpha-2, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors throughout the body.

Like norepinephrine, epinephrine – also known as adrenaline – is a catecholamine that acts as both a neurotransmitter and hormone. Norepi and epinephrine function well together and where you find one, you almost always find the other. This week, I want to focus on epinephrine, norepinephrine’s sidekick.

However, it’s just one part of the adrenal puzzle. Epinephrine – Norephinephrine’s SidekickĪs part of the adrenal system, we know keeping our norepinephrine levels in check is important in maintaining energy levels, alertness, appropriate stress responses, mental health, and of course, great athletic performance and body composition. Last week we learned the basics about norepinephrine: how and where it’s made, how and why it’s released, and some basics on how its function in the body can get thrown off track.

Epinephrine is produced by which gland