Endorphins
| Definition: |
One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large peptides derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor. The known members of this group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; OPIOID PEPTIDES is used for the broader group. |
| Notes: |
/biosyn /physiol permitted |
| Previously Indexed: |
Nerve Tissue Proteins (1966-Jul 1977),Peptides (1966-Jul 1977) |
Endorphins Categories.
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alpha-Endorphin - An endogenous opioid peptide derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor. It differs from GAMMA-ENDORPHIN by one amino acid. |
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beta-Endorphin - A peptide consisting of amino acid sequence 61-91 of the endogenous pituitary hormone BETA-LIPOTROPIN. The first four amino acids show a common tetrapeptide sequence with METHIONINE- and LEUCINE ENKEPHALIN. The compound shows opiate-like activity. Injection of beta-endorphin induces a profound analgesia of the whole body for several hours. This action is reversed after administration of naloxone. |
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gamma-Endorphin - An endogenous opioid peptide derived from the pro-opiomelanocortin precursor peptide. It differs from ALPHA-ENDORPHIN by one amino acid. |
Endorphins Definitions and Terms
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