Enkephalins are neurotransmitters that suppress pain and change the way people perceive pain. They can also affect memory, mood, appetite, and digestive system functioning. Enkephalins bind to opioid transmitters and can be addictive, making addiction a major concern when prescribing painkillers.
Enkephalins are neurotransmitters that act to suppress pain. The goal of pain suppression is to allow the body to cope with the pain while remaining focused, rather than allowing the perception of pain to flood the system and cause panic, distress, or confusion. These neurotransmitters are polypeptides, meaning they are made up of very short chains of amino acids. Two different enkephalins have been identified: met-enkephalin and leu-enkephalin.
These neurotransmitters are released by the brain and central nervous system when the brain perceives pain. In addition to easing the sensation of pain, typically in the short term, enkephalins also change the way people perceive pain. This can be important, as people can still be panicky or upset even when their pain is dulled, a problem that commonly occurs when people are given synthetic painkillers that relieve pain without addressing the underlying emotions.
Because these neurotransmitters can influence perception, they may also play a role in memory formation and mood. They can also affect your appetite and digestive system functioning. All of these physical and emotional changes can be beneficial for those experiencing pain, making the release of enkephalins an important part of the body’s response to sources of pain and injury. These polypeptides are classified as endorphins, within the family of compounds that create a “rush” in the body.
Researchers began identifying these compounds and how they work in the 1970s. Like many other substances secreted by the body to transmit signals through the nervous system, enkephalins are released automatically when the body senses that they are needed. People cannot control the timing or amount of a neurotransmitter’s release, and the compound works instantly to do its job as soon as it’s needed. The rapid response time involved can be critical for many neurotransmitters, as circumstances in the body are constantly changing, making it important to send the right signal at the right time.
Enkephalins bind to opioid transmitters in the body. This trait is what allows them to manage pain effectively, but it can also be addictive. Numerous studies have demonstrated the addictive and behavior-modifying qualities of enkephalins, and these effects are greatly enhanced when people use synthetic pain relievers that bind to the same receptors. Addiction is, in fact, a major concern when painkillers are given to a patient, as a doctor wants to provide painkillers without making the patient dependent on them in the future.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
