The Comparative Pharmacology of the Suprarenal Medulla

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
It is well established that most suprarenal glands contain epinephrine and norepinephrine though with wide variation in relative amounts. Recent evidence indicates that a differential secretion of the 2 substances exists dependent upon the functional require- ments of the animal. Norepinephrine is released during conditions involving circulatory needs while epinephrine becomes available in local metabolic processes where increased regional blood supply is demanded. It is possible that norepinephrine is selectively stored in certain specific cells in the suprarenal medulla. This suggests that norepinephrine is not only a precursor of epinephrine but also an independent hormone, helping to maintain vascular tone.