One of the most dramatically effective drugs used in medicine is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body. I witnessed it save my father's life when he was stung by an insect. Within minutes of exposure, his tongue was swollen and protruding like a hamburger from his mouth and he was having difficulty breathing. He was rushed to the hospital, while his breathing was further reduced, his eyes were nearly swollen shut and red blotches covered his body. Within minutes of his arrival, the symptoms were miraculously cured; epinephrine had, once again, saved the day.
Epinephrine or "adrenaline", has been experienced by everyone, during times of anxiety or distress. The powerful effects of adrenaline on strength and speed, in times of need, have been commonly known for years. This "fight or flight" response is caused by a catecholamine hormone, epinephrine, released by the adrenal medulla. (Bonner, Internet).
Epinephrine is a monoamine derived from the amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine. ("The Pharmacology of Epinephrine", Internet). It is a polar compound with a catechol (a dihydroxybenzene) and an amine. (Goth, p. 190) Epinephrine is water soluble and interacts in a variety of ways, depending on the type of receptor areas of target cells. (Goth, p. 191)
Because of its direct release into the bloodstream, epinephrine reaches its target organs very quickly. The chemical acts on the postganglionic receptors of its target cells, of which there are two types: alpha and beta. ("The Pharmacology of Epinephrine", Internet). Alpha receptors respond to the adrenaline by decreasing bloodflow, dilating the pupil, and contracting sphincters. (Goth, p. 193), whereas Beta receptors respond by increasing heart rate and contractility, relaxing bronchial muscle, increasing bloodflow to the extremity muscles and decreasing it in the stomach, and focusing pupils for greater distances.(Goth, p. 193)
Because of these qualities, epinephrine has several uses, including increasing ventilation of lungs through relief of bronchodilation, increasing cardiac output, increasing systolic blood pressure, dilating blood vessels involved in crisis response, treatment of cardiac arrest as a chemical stimulant, employment in surgery to help control hemorrhage, presence in local anesthetics to reduce diffusion of anesthetic, and presence in eyedrops to relieve glaucoma symptoms and ocular mydriasis. ("Tbe Pharmacology of Epinephrine", Internet and Goth, p. 193)
Perhaps the most essential use of epinephrine, however, is the way it was used to treat my father's anaphylactic shock, (a severe allergic reaction). During anaphylaxis, the body releases a compound called histamine, which at best causes mild itching or hives and at worst causes a collapse of blood pressure (shock), bronchial constriction (asthma) and laryngeal edema (swelling of the tongue and throat). (Goth, p. 192). These potentially fatal responses can be swift, but can be reversed by an injection of epinephrine. ("Anaphylactic Shock", Internet). As Dr. James R. Bonner, MD, states "Epinephrine remains the most important medication for the treatment of anaphylaxis."
Dr. Bonner also maintained that "Full-blown anaphylaxis occurs with frightening rapidity and may be fatal despite appropriate, aggressive treatment. " The condition, which affects more than 3% of all Canadians, kills approximately 500 people each year. ('Anaphylactic Shock", Internet). However the real anxiety of anaphylaxis is not the number of deaths, but the short period of time required for it to shut down an entire body, along with the fact that it can occur with minimal exposure. As well, the condition is often unknown to the sufferer until a severe reaction occurs. Epinephrine has already saved countless lives, including my father's, from the terrifying threat of anaphylaxis. Clearly, it is one of our most important medical discoveries, worthy of a place in the Chemistry Hall of Fwne, as it continues to save lives daily and ease our fears of anaphylaxis.
Works Cited (the Chemistry Hall of Fame makes no guarantee as to the durability of the internet addresses cited herein)
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