Enkephalins
Enkephalins
Enkephalins (pronounced: en-KEF-a-lins) are pentapeptides involved in regulating nociception in the body. The term "enkephalin" originates from the Greek words "enkephalos" meaning "in the head" and "in" meaning "inside".
Structure and Function
Enkephalins are found in high concentrations in the brain and spinal cord, where they play a crucial role in pain modulation and emotional regulation. They are one of the three major classes of endogenous opioid peptides, the others being endorphins and dynorphins. Enkephalins bind to the body's opioid receptors to reduce the perception of pain.
Types of Enkephalins
There are two types of enkephalins: Met-enkephalin and Leu-enkephalin. Both are derived from a precursor protein called proenkephalin and have similar functions. However, they differ in their amino acid sequence.
Role in Disease
Alterations in enkephalin levels have been implicated in a number of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and schizophrenia. Research is ongoing to understand the potential therapeutic applications of enkephalins and their receptors.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Enkephalins
- Wikipedia's article - Enkephalins
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