Endorphin

Endorphins are endogenous opioid biochemical compounds. They are peptides produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus in vertebrates, and they resemble the opiates in their abilities to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being. In other words, they work as "natural pain killers."

Related Topics:
Endogenous - Opioid - Peptide - Pituitary gland - Hypothalamus - Vertebrates - Opiate - Analgesia

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The term "endorphin" is used generally to refer to all of the endogenous opioid compounds and implies a pharmacological activity (analogous to the activity of the corticosteroid category of biochemicals) as opposed to a specific chemical formulation.

Related Topics:
Pharmacological - Corticosteroid

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