Adrenaline vs. Dopamine — What's the Difference?

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which is involved in regulating visceral functions (e.g., respiration). Adrenaline is normally produced both by the adrenal glands and by a small number of neurons in the medulla oblongata.

Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neurotransmitter that plays several important roles in the brain and body. It is an organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families.

A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that increases rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and prepares muscles for exertion

A monoamine neurotransmitter formed in the brain by the decarboxylation of dopa and essential to the normal functioning of the central nervous system. A reduction in its concentration within the brain is associated with Parkinson's disease.

See epinephrine.

A monoamine C₈H₁₁NO₂ that is a decarboxylated form of dopa, present in the body as a neurotransmitter and a precursor of other substances including adrenalin.

(hormone) epinephrine, the hormone and neurotransmitter.

A monoamine neurotransmitter found in the brain and essential for the normal functioning of the central nervous system; as a drug (trade names Dopastat and Intropin) it is used to treat shock and hypotension

Excitement; thrills.

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.

A catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla in response to stress (trade name Adrenalin); stimulates autonomic nerve action