(-)-Epinephrine

(-)-Epinephrine is an endogenous adrenergic receptor agonist that is released from the adrenal medulla.{26355} It binds to a1-adrenergic receptors (Ki = 6 µg/L), as well as B1-, B2-, and B3-adrenergic receptors (Kis = 4, 7, and 126 µM, respectively) in radioligand binding assays.{68247,25395} (-)-Epinephrine inhibits forskolin-induced adenylyl cyclase activity in CHO cells expressing a2-adrenergic receptors (EC50 = 240 nM) and induces cAMP production in primary human tracheal epithelial cells, which endogenously express B2-adrenergic receptors (EC50 = 640 nM).{68245,68246} (-)-Epinephrine (100 µg/kg) reduces ear hyperperfusion and decreases in body temperature and increases survival in a mouse model of anaphylaxis induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF).{68242} Formulations containing (-)-epinephrine have been used in the treatment of anaphylaxis.