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enkephalin |
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enkephalin (ĕnkĕf`əlĭn), one of several naturally occurring morphinelike substances (endorphins endorphins (ĕndôr`fĭnz), neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties similar to morphine. ..... Click the link for more information. ) released from nerve endings of the central nervous system and the adrenal medulla. They act as analgesics and sedatives in the body and appear to affect mood and motivation. enkephalin [en′kef·ə·lən] (biochemistry) A mixture of two polypeptides isolated from the brain; central mode of action is an inhibition of neurotransmitter release. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Nicholas Bodor and his colleagues at the University of Florida in Gainesville sandwiched a naturally occurring pain-relief protein called enkephalin between a fatty acid and a molecule that becomes positively charged in the presence of enzymes found in the brain. Indeed, endorphin and enkephalin production is stimulated by exercise. According to Isabel Karle, the largest molecule so far analyzed by the direct method is the nervous system peptide, enkephalin, which consists of five amino acids and contains 230 carbon, nitrogen and oxygen atoms. |
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