Beta endorphin

Beta-endorphin is a peptide that is used by the body to inhibit the sensation of pain. It is one of the endorphins that are produced in the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates during exercise, excitement, pain, consumption of spicy food, love and orgasm, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a feeling of well-being.

Structure and Function

Beta-endorphin is a peptide, 31 amino acids long, resulting from processing of the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Beta-endorphin is found in neurons of the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary gland, and is released into the blood (from the pituitary gland) and into the spinal cord and brain (from hypothalamic neurons).

The function of beta-endorphin is to decrease pain perception, and it does this by binding to and activating opioid receptors. Beta-endorphin has the highest affinity for the mu opioid receptor, but it also has affinities for the delta opioid receptor and the kappa opioid receptor. Activation of these receptors by beta-endorphin produces analgesia.

Clinical Significance

Beta-endorphin is considered a natural painkiller, and its release often accompanies activities such as exercise, acupuncture, or massage. It is also thought to contribute to the "runner's high" that athletes often experience.

In addition to its analgesic properties, beta-endorphin has been found to play a role in various other physiological functions, such as thermoregulation, feeding behavior, and stress response. It has also been implicated in psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as in the pathophysiology of addiction.

See Also

• Endorphins
• Opioid receptor
• Pain management
• Proopiomelanocortin

References

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