Application:
• Endorphins can act as painkillers
Endorphins are endogenous neuropeptides produced by the pituitary gland that functions as the body’s natural painkiller
- Endorphins are typically released by the body during periods of stress, injury or physical exercise
Pain is perceived in body tissues when impulses are sent from pain receptors (nocireceptors) to sensory areas of the brain
- Endorphins bind to opiate receptors on pre-synaptic neurons to block the transmission of pain signals
Endorphins differ from anesthetics in that they reduce pain perception but do not necessarily block all sensory perception
- Endorphins can also promote feelings of euphoria (as they target opioid receptors)
Suppression of Pain Perception by Endorphins
