enkephalin
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enkephalin
(ĕnkĕf`əlĭn), one of several naturally occurring morphinelike substances (endorphinsendorphins, neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties similar to morphine. There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorpins, found primarily in the pituitary gland; and enkephalins and dynorphin, both distributed throughout the nervous
..... 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.