Beta-Adrenergic Receptors and Fat Loss

HISTORY OF MESOTHERAPY This review of basic pharmacology using ephedrine as an active medication is provided by Bryan Haycock, MS, CSCS, founder of HSN. As a sympathomimetic, ephedrine acts to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. It does this by causing presynaptic nerve terminals to release norepinephrine, or what is commonly called noradrenaline (NA), into the synaptic space. It also has the effect of increasing circulating adrenaline (Adr), the body’s chief beta-2 agonist. Noradrenaline, once released into the synaptic space, interacts with adrenergic receptors on the surface of adipocytes (also known as fat cells). This initiates a sequence of events within the adipocyte that increases lipolysis.