endorphin

(redirected from beta endorphin)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical.

Related to beta endorphin: Dynorphin

endorphin

any of a class of polypeptides, including enkephalin, occurring naturally in the brain, that bind to pain receptors and so block pain sensation

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

Mentioned in ?

References in periodicals archive ?

Morgules and associates22 showed that genetically obese rats and mice, in addition to having increased beta endorphin concentration in pituitary, were responsive to the effects of naloxone on food intake in obese than in lean rats, thus suggesting that opiates may play causal role in the development of obesity.

The effect of septal lesion on naloxone induced hypophagia in rats

Activation of the pain control system increases the concentration of beta endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain tissue and plasma, thus creating an analgesic effect, as well as many others.

Migraine treatment and the role of acupuncture: a literature review

Research shows that white blood cell counts can increase by anywhere from 50 per cent to 300 percent after exercise, possibly triggered by hormones like beta endorphins (which have been linked to "exercisers' high").

Exercise for immunity

Sugar also affects the brain, causing the release of opium-like substances called beta endorphins. When these are high we feel euphoric, when they fall the contrast is so marked that depressive symptoms occur.

Sweet truth; We all know that sugar rots your teeth but did you also know that it can be disastrous for your general health as well? New research finds some depressing results

Estrogen and other hormonal therapy may compensate for some of these problems, but the uterus also produces such chemicals as beta endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and prostaglandins, which may protect against heart disease.