Beta-endorphin

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Beta-endorphin is an endogenous opioid peptide neurotransmitter found in the neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous system. β-endorphin is a peptide, 31 amino acids long, resulting from processing of the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Note, POMC also gives rise to other peptide hormones, including ACTH ( Adrenocorticotropic hormone ), as well α- and γ-MSH ( Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone ), resulting from intracellular processing by internal enzymes known as prohormone convertases. β-endorphin is found in neurons of the hypothalamus, as well as the pituitary gland. It is an agonist of the opioid receptors, with evidence suggesting it serves as the endogenous ligand of the μ-opioid receptor, the same receptor to which the chemicals extracted from opium, such as morphine and codeine, have their analgesic and addictive effects (indeed, the μ-opioid receptor was named based on its most renowned ligand, morphine). β-endorphin was discovered in the 1970's by the prolific laboratory of Avram Goldstein.

[edit] Effects

It is used as an analgesic in the body to numb or dull pains. That is the reason why we start to feel better immediately after an acute physical trauma even though the symptoms are still present. The reason the pain dulls is because it breaks down bradykinins, which accumulate in response to injury.

β-endorphin can also boost the immune system and kill cancer cells.