What type of receptor does adrenaline act on?

Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, primarily acts on adrenergic receptors, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system. The B1 adrenergic receptor is one of the main targets for adrenaline, particularly in the heart, where it facilitates increased heart rate and cardiac contractility. This receptor's activation is crucial for the fight or flight response, allowing for enhanced perfusion and oxygenation of tissues during times of stress or danger.

The B1 adrenergic receptor is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that, upon binding with adrenaline, leads to various physiological effects, including the stimulation of heart muscle contraction and increased heart rate, which is essential for responding to acute stress. Understanding the role of the B1 adrenergic receptor helps in grasping how adrenaline influences cardiovascular function and why it is significant in both physiological and pharmacological contexts.