Mass vasodilation

Anaphylaxis is a type of ‘vasogenic shock’ caused by an allergic reaction. This leads to mass vasodilation everywhere in the body, which also causes swelling of the tongue, throat and airways. Describe why a high dose of adrenaline would be used to treat this in order to reverse both the vasodilation and the airway constriction.

Ensure you include relevant receptor subtypes and their function. Hint: remember that some receptors still have affinity to other chemicals when applied at a high dose. *10 marks