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endorphin |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Acronyms, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.04 sec. |
endorphinAny of a group of proteins occurring in the brain and having pain-relieving properties typical of opium and related opiates. Discovered in the 1970s, they include enkephalin, beta-endorphin, and dynorphin. Each is distributed in characteristic patterns throughout the nervous system. Endorphins are released in response to pain or sustained exertion (causing, e.g., the “runner's high”). They are also believed to have a role in appetite control, release of pituitary sex hormones, and shock. There is strong evidence that they are connected with “pleasure centres” in the brain, and they seem to be activated by acupuncture. Knowledge of their behaviour has implications for treating addictions and chronic pain. endorphin any of a class of polypeptides, including enkephalin, occurring naturally in the brain, that bind to pain receptors and so block pain sensation 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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| Nobody has ever reported any brain science suggesting that you get an endorphin rush when you pay your tax bill. To make sure that your are going to have a physiological response -- a release of endorphins -- happy hormones that also increase energy production -- you should be walking fast enough that your heart rate is between 65 percent and 80 percent of your maximum heart rate. A book like this one is like a triathlon workout for the mind--grueling and exhausting, but with a nice endorphin high afterwards. |
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