adrenalin

n. Also /mhw>. (Physiol. Chem.) a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that acts as a powerful stimulant in reponse to fear or stress; it stimulates autonomic nerve action. It can be obtained as a crystalline substance, C9H13NO3. It is used in medicine as a vasoconstrictor (hemostatic) and cardiac stimulant, also to reduce allergic reactions and to stimulate the heart in cases of cardiac arrest. MI11
Syn. -- epinephrine; 3, 4-dihydroxy-1-[ 1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)-ethyl ]benzene. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]