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Related Concept Videos

Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission01:27

Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission

Postganglionic sympathetic fibers (except those supplying the sweat glands) releasing noradrenaline or norepinephrine are called noradrenergic or adrenergic neurons. Noradrenaline, dopamine, adrenaline, or epinephrine are collectively called "catecholamines" as they contain a catechol moiety and an amine side chain. The five stages of neurotransmitter release involve their synthesis, storage, release, reuptake and metabolism.
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype01:26

Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype

β-adrenoceptors have varied sensitivities towards adrenaline, noradrenaline, and isoprenaline. The order of agonist potency is as follows:
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Sympathetic Signaling01:31

Sympathetic Signaling

Sympathetic signaling, a vital part of the autonomic nervous system, plays a crucial role in mobilizing the body's resources in response to stress or emergencies. It involves the transmission of nerve impulses from sympathetic preganglionic fibers to postganglionic fibers. This results in the release of specific neurotransmitters and activation of adrenergic receptors.
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla01:27

Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla

The sympathetic pathways of the collateral ganglia and adrenal medulla serve unique but interconnected roles in the sympathetic response.
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...
Sympathetic Activation01:16

Sympathetic Activation

The sympathetic division can influence tissues and organs by releasing norepinephrine at peripheral synapses and distributing epinephrine and norepinephrine through the bloodstream. In times of crisis or stress, sympathetic activation occurs, which is regulated by sympathetic centers in the hypothalamus. As a result, sympathetic activation prepares the body for physical exertion, rapid ATP production, and heightened alertness, allowing individuals to respond effectively to challenging or...
Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification01:27

Adrenergic Receptors (Adrenoceptors): Classification

Adrenergic receptors, or adrenoceptors, respond to the autonomic neurotransmitter noradrenaline and other endogenous catecholamine agonists. They are classified into two main families, α and β, based on their pharmacological response and are further subdivided depending on their location, elicited response, and affinity to specific agonists or antagonists.
α-Adrenoceptors
α-Adrenoceptors are classified into two main subtypes: α1 and α2. The α1 adrenoceptors, which are found on postsynaptic...

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Localization of the Locus Coeruleus in the Mouse Brain
07:44

Localization of the Locus Coeruleus in the Mouse Brain

Published on: March 7, 2019

Epinephrine localization in human brain stem.

I Mefford1, A Oke, R N Adams

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kans. 66045 U.S.A.

Neuroscience Letters
|July 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Epinephrine (E) was found in the human brain stem, primarily in the reticular formation and aqueductal gray. Highest concentrations of this key neurotransmitter were located near the fourth ventricle floor.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Neuroanatomy
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The human brain stem plays a critical role in regulating vital autonomic functions.
  • Understanding the distribution of neurotransmitters within the brain stem is essential for comprehending its complex functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and precise localization of epinephrine (E) within the human brain stem.
  • To compare the distribution of epinephrine with other catecholamines, norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of three human brain stems.
  • Detailed mapping of catecholamine distribution in the third brain stem.
  • Quantification of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine concentrations.

Main Results:

  • Epinephrine was found to be highly localized in specific brain stem regions.
  • Highest epinephrine concentrations were observed in the reticular formation and aqueductal gray.
  • The floor of the fourth ventricle showed the most concentrated levels of epinephrine.
  • Norepinephrine and dopamine were also localized in these same areas, with epinephrine comprising 1-10% of total catecholamines.

Conclusions:

  • Epinephrine is present and localized in distinct areas of the human brain stem.
  • The reticular formation, aqueductal gray, and floor of the fourth ventricle are key regions for epinephrine distribution.
  • The co-localization of NE and DA suggests interconnected roles for these catecholamines in brain stem function.