[Recent findings in biochemistry and the significance of endorphins and enkephalins]

Abstract

Peptides with morphine-like efficacy, which are called endorphines and enkephalines, are formed by the nerve cells of numerous segments of the central nervous system and of the gastrointestinal canal. The efficacy of these peptides which decrease the sensation of pain is increased in certain stress (lesions, operative interventions, heat, birth). They stimulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, influence the secretion of certain hormones and decrease the sensitivity to pain. In acupuncture the release of the endorphines is increased. The formation of the endorphines takes place by peptidolysis from a prodromal molecule--the pro-opiomelanocortin--and the formation of the enkephalines by peptidolysis from the proenkephalines. The binding of the endorphines and of the enkephalines takes place on receptors in the area of the synapses of the certain nerve cells, which also bind opium alkaloids. Under the influence of the opiate-receptor-complexes an influence on the stimulus conduction takes place which is reduced. Particularly those nerve cells are concerned which conduct stimulations from nozireceptors. The endogenic opiates take furthermore part in the regulation of reproduction, the body temperature, the respiration and the function of the gastrointestinal canal.