Enkephalins are a group of neurotransmitter peptides found in the central and peripheral nervous system of mammals, including humans. These molecules play a crucial role in communication between nerve cells and are involved in a variety of physiological and psychological processes in the human body. In this article, we will explore in detail what enkephalins are, the different types that exist and the various functions they perform in our body.
Types of Enkephalins
There are two main types of enkephalins that have been identified in the human body: methionine enkephalin (Met-enkephalin) and leucine enkephalin (Leu-enkephalin). Both types of enkephalins are endogenous opioid peptides, meaning they have structural and functional similarities to exogenous opioids, such as morphine and heroin, which act on opioid receptors in the nervous system.
Met- Enkephalin
Methionine enkephalin, also known as Met-enkephalin, is a five-amino acid peptide found in the brain and spinal cord. This peptide is produced from a precursor protein called proenkephalin A, which is found in neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system.
Meth-enkephalin acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which means which has the ability to reduce the transmission of nerve signals and modulate pain perception. Met-enkephalin has been shown to play an important role in pain regulation, stress response and mood modulation.
Leu-enkephalin
Leucine enkephalin , also known as Leu-enkephalin, is another opioidergic peptide found in the central and peripheral nervous system. Like met-enkephalin, Leu-enkephalin is produced from proenkephalin A and has analgesic and pain modulating effects in the human body.
Leu-enkephalin binds to opioid receptors mu and delta in the nervous system, which triggers a series of biochemical responses that result in the inhibition of pain transmission and the feeling of well-being. Leu-enkephalin has been shown to play a key role in the regulation of chronic pain, stress response and substance addiction.
Functions of Enkephalins in the Human Body
Enkephalins perform a variety of important functions in the human body, due to their action as neurotransmitters and their ability to interact with opioid receptors in the nervous system. Some of the main functions of enkephalins include:
1. Pain Modulation
One of the most recognized functions of enkephalins is their ability to modulate the perception of pain in the human body. Opioid receptors activated by enkephalins inhibit the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system, resulting in pain relief and a feeling of well-being. This analgesic effect of enkephalins has been widely studied in the context of acute and chronic pain, as well as in pain-related disorders such as fibromyalgia and trigeminal neuralgia.
2. Stress Regulation
Enkephalins also play an important role in regulating the stress response in the human body. Enkephalin levels have been shown to increase in situations of acute stress, which helps modulate the body's response to external stressors. Additionally, enkephalins can influence the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which regulates the release of stress-related hormones, such as cortisol.
3. Mood Regulation
Another important function of enkephalins is their ability to modulate mood and emotional response in the human body. Enkephalin levels have been shown to be associated with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The interaction of enkephalins with opioid receptors in brain regions involved in emotional regulation can influence the subjective experience of mood and the emotional response to external stimuli.
4. Regulation of Eating Behavior
Enkephalins also play a role in the regulation of eating behavior and appetite in the human body. Enkephalins have been shown to be involved in the motivation and pleasure associated with food intake, as well as the regulation of satiety and hunger. Opioid receptors activated by enkephalins can modulate the release of appetite-related hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, and affect the perception of taste and pleasure when eating.
Conclusions
In summary, enkephalins are key neurotransmitter peptides that play multiple functions in the human body, including pain modulation, stress regulation, mood, eating behavior, and other physiological and psychological processes. Understanding the biology and physiology of enkephalins is critical to advancing the field of neuroscience and the treatment of pain and stress-related disorders.
As endogenous opioid neurotransmitters, enkephalins have the potential to be explored as therapeutic targets for the development of new therapies for chronic pain, mood disorders and other neurological and psychiatric disorders. Continuing to investigate the role of enkephalins in human physiology and pathology may lead to significant advances in the field of psychopharmacology and neuropsychology.