Editing Chromaffin cell (section)

==Function==
[[File:Epinephrine.svg|thumb|Adrenaline ([[epinephrine]])]]
[[File:Norepinephrine.svg|thumb|Noradrenaline ([[norepinephrine]])]]
Chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla are innervated by the [[splanchnic nerve]] and secrete adrenaline ([[epinephrine]]), noradrenaline ([[norepinephrine]]), some [[dopamine]], [[enkephalin]] and enkephalin-containing peptides, and a few other hormones into the [[blood]] stream. The secreted adrenaline and noradrenaline play an important role in the sympathetic nervous system response, commonly called the [[fight-or-flight response]]. The enkephalins and enkephalin-containing peptides are related to, but distinct from endogenous peptides named [[endorphin]]s (which are secreted from the pituitary); all of these peptides bind to opioid receptors and produce analgesic (and other) responses. The hormones are secreted from chromaffin granules; this is where the enzyme dopamine β-hydroxylase catalyses the conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Szewczyk|first=A|author2=Lobanov, NA|author3=Kicińska, A|author4=Wójcik, G|author5=Nałecz, MJ|title=ATP-sensitive K+ transport in adrenal chromaffin granules.|journal=Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis|year=2001|volume=61|issue=1|pages=1–12|pmid=11315316|url=http://www.ane.pl/pdf/6101.pdf|access-date=2013-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809071040/http://www.ane.pl/pdf/6101.pdf|archive-date=2017-08-09|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Distinct N and E cell forms exist (also Na and A cells in British nomenclature - noradrenaline and adrenaline); the former produce norepinephrine, the latter arise out of N cells through interaction with glucocorticoids, and convert norepinephrine into epinephrine.<ref>{{cite book |title=Wheater's Functional Histology |edition=5th |editor1-last=Young |editor2-last=Lowe |editor3-last=Stevens |editor4-last=Heath |location=Edinburgh |publisher=Churchill Livingstone |isbn=978-0-443-06850-8 |year=2006 }}</ref>

[[File:Catecholamine biosynthesis.png|Catecholamine biosynthesis|center|frameless|700x700px]]