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The endorphins are all synthesized from the precursor protein, proopiomelanocortin, and all contain a Met-enkephalin motif at their N-terminus: Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met. [12] α-endorphin and γ-endorphin result from proteolytic cleavage of β-endorphin between the Thr(16)-Leu(17) residues and Leu(17)-Phe(18) respectively.
The three endorphins that play a role in this response are α-endorphin, β-endorphin (beta-endorphin), and γ-endorphin (gamma-endorphin) which are all derived from the same polypeptide known as pro-opiomelanocortin. [3] Although all play roles as neurotransmitters, the specific effects of all three differ.
The effects of these peptides vary, but they all resemble those of opiates. Brain opioid peptide systems are known to play an important role in motivation , emotion , attachment behaviour , the response to stress and pain , control of food intake , and the rewarding effects of alcohol and nicotine .
β-Endorphin (beta-endorphin) is an endogenous opioid neuropeptide and peptide hormone that is produced in certain neurons within the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. [1] It is one of three endorphins that are produced in humans, the others of which include α-endorphin and γ-endorphin. [2]
There are three well-characterized families of opioid peptides produced by the body: enkephalins, β-endorphin, and dynorphins.The met-enkephalin peptide sequence is coded for by the enkephalin gene; the leu-enkephalin peptide sequence is coded for by both the enkephalin gene and the dynorphin gene. [3]
Substance P (SP) is an undecapeptide (a peptide composed of a chain of 11 amino acid residues) [1] and a type of neuropeptide, belonging to the tachykinin family of neuropeptides.
The structure of the inactive μ-opioid receptor has been determined with the antagonists β-FNA [6] and alvimopan. [7] Many structures of the active state are also available, with agonists including DAMGO, [8] β-endorphin, [9] fentanyl and morphine. [10]
Yet, most of the information about the substance's exact role within the body is speculation that has yet to be proven. Some studies have indicated, however, that the polypeptide has antipsychotic effects on a certain category of patients with schizophrenia, while others suggest that γ-endorphin may act to help regulate blood pressure. Further ...