Question

List the endogenous opioids in the brain and describe some of their proposed functions.

Short answer

The three primary families of endogenous opioids in the brain are endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins. Endorphins provide pain relief, trigger positive feelings, and improve emotional well-being. Enkephalins modulate pain perception and regulate neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Dynorphins have a role in pain modulation and regulating mood and stress response, although their effects might be less pronounced than endorphins or enkephalins.

Step-by-step solution

List the endogenous opioids in the brain

There are three primary families of endogenous opioids in the brain: 1. Endorphins 2. Enkephalins 3. Dynorphins

Describe the proposed functions of endorphins

Endorphins are a group of peptide hormones that are produced naturally in the brain. The primary function of endorphins is to: - Provide pain relief: Endorphins are released during times of stress, injury, or exercise to help minimize pain signals by binding to the same pain receptors that are targeted by certain drugs (opioid receptor). - Trigger positive feelings and emotional well-being: Endorphins are known to be associated with the "runner's high" that can be experienced after prolonged exercise, leading to euphoria and improved mood.

Describe the proposed functions of enkephalins

Enkephalins are shorter peptides than endorphins. They are also found in various regions of the brain and spinal cord. The proposed functions of enkephalins include: - Modulation of pain perception: Enkephalins also act on pain receptors and provide pain relief by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. - Regulation of neurotransmitters: Enkephalins play a role in regulating the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, by controlling neuronal activity.

Describe the proposed functions of dynorphins

Dynorphins are a third class of endogenous opioids that are widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Some of the proposed functions of dynorphins are: - Pain modulation: Just like the other two families of endogenous opioids, dynorphins have a role in pain perception and management. They bind to specific receptors (kappa-opioid receptors) to provide pain relief; however, their effect may be less pronounced than endorphins or enkephalins. - Regulation of mood and stress response: Dynorphins have been found to regulate mood and stress responses by modulating the release of neurotransmitters and by interacting with other endogenous opioids. In some cases, they might also induce dysphoria (an opposite response to the euphoria generated by endorphins).