Endorphin: function and mechanism of action

Abstract

Endorphins are chemicals naturally produced by the nervous system to manage pain or stress. They are often called “feel-good” chemicals because they act as a pain reliever and happiness booster. The exact mechanism of endorphins can be perceived through development in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the CNS through two distinct features. The illusion of pain relief in the PNS is produced by beta-endorphins that bind to opioid receptors. In the CNS, mu-opioid receptors are more abundant in descending pain control circuits including the amygdala, mesencephalic reticular formation, periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), and rostral ventral medulla. As for the Endorphins functions, they are found in high concentrations in certain regions of the brain that help in the transmission of pain sensations, breathing, motor activity, secretion of pituitary hormones, and mood. The relationship between the secretion of endorphins and the stimulating adrenal cortex hormone came through behavioral studies that indicated that stress increases the concentrations of endorphins in the blood and brain. With parallel changes in the pain threshold. Histochemical studies suggest that opiates have important relationships with cells that contain noradrenaline and cells that contain dopamine.