As mentioned, both epinephrine and norepinephrine affect alpha and beta receptors in the body. While there are many similarities between them, there are also key differences in the effects of norepinephrine vs. Having too much or too little epinephrine and norepinephrine can cause significant health problems. They activate alpha and beta receptors in the brain and spinal cord. Both regulate the body’s sympathetic nervous system, which regulates the “fight or flight response” in a stressful situation.Īs hormones, norepinephrine and epinephrine both affect the central nervous system and different body organs. What is the main difference between epinephrine and norepinephrine?Įpinephrine and norepinephrine are very similar chemical messengers with similar chemical structures. The pituitary gland in the brain controls the production of adrenal hormones. The adrenal glands, specifically the adrenal cortex, also make other hormones such as cortisol (called the stress hormone). The adrenal glands are hat-shaped glands located above the kidneys. Both are natural chemicals made by the adrenal glands in the body. Norepinephrine is often referred to as noradrenaline. Are epinephrine and norepinephrine the same as adrenaline?Įpinephrine is also called adrenaline. We will also talk about their medical uses.

This article will explain some similarities and differences between epinephrine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters, on the other hand, are released into the space between nerve cells and deliver messages across nerve endings from one neighboring cell to another. Hormones and neurotransmitters are both chemical messengers however, hormones are secreted into the bloodstream and carry messages to the body’s tissues and organs through blood circulation.

They function as both hormones and neurotransmitters. Epinephrine and norepinephrine belong to a group of naturally occurring compounds in the human body called catecholamines.

Epinephrine high blood pressure