Definition of endorphins Endorphins

/ɛndɔˈɹfɪnz/ - [endorfinz] -

We found 3 definitions of endorphins from 2 different sources.

What does endorphins mean?

Wiktionary

endorphins (Noun)
Plural of endorphin.

Part of speech

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endorphins, noun, plural of endorphin.

WordNet

Noun Plural: endorphins
endorphin - a neurochemical occurring naturally in the brain and having analgesic properties
		neurochemical any organic substance that occurs in neural activity
		peptide amide combining the amino group of one amino acid with the carboxyl group of another; usually obtained by partial hydrolysis of protein
		beta endorphin an endorphin produced by the pituitary gland that suppresses pain

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Wiktionary

endorphin (Noun)
Any of a group of peptide hormones found in the brain that act as neurotransmitters and have properties similar to morphine.

Wikipedia

Endorphins are proteins that are similar to opioids. They are made by the endocrine system of many vertebrates. When they are released into the body, they cause a sense of well-being. They also act as analgesics -- that is, they can fight pain. They are sometimes named "natural pain killers". Endorphins were first found in 1970s. In 1977, Roger Guillemin and Andrew W. Schally won the Nobel Prize in medicine because of their studies on hormones in the brain, including endorphins.

The term "endorphin" is a general name for many opioid-like proteins. (It consists of two parts: "endo" and "orphin"; these are short forms of the words "endogenous metersorphine" which means "a morphin-like substance which is produced by the human body".) Special endorphins have their own names, like enkephalin and β-endorphin.

Types.

Four types of endorphins are created in the human body. They are named "alpha" (α), "beta" (β), "gamma" (γ) and "sigma" (σ) endorphins. The four types have different numbers and types of amino acids in their molecules; they have between 16 and 31 amino acids in each molecule.

Beta-endorphins (β-endorphins) are the most powerful endorphins in the body. They are usually found in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. More endorphins are released in the pituitary gland during times of pain or stress. Exercise increases the endorphin release too. For the same reason, exercise results in a better mood.

Met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin are found in the brain stem and spinal c