exorphin

Exorphins are a class of endogenous opioid peptides that are produced by the body and act as natural pain relievers. They are distinct from enkephalins, another class of endogenous opioids, and are involved in various physiological processes, including pain modulation, stress response, and immune function. Exorphins are derived from the precursor protein prodynorphin, which is processed by specific enzymes to yield different opioid peptides, including exorphins.

The primary exorphin is dynorphin A (1-17), which is a heptapeptide consisting of seven amino acids. This peptide has been extensively studied for its analgesic properties and its role in the central nervous system. Exorphins bind to opioid receptors, particularly mu-opioid receptors, to exert their effects. Their binding affinity and selectivity vary, contributing to their diverse physiological roles.

Exorphins play a crucial role in the body's stress response and immune function. They are released in response to stress and inflammation, helping to modulate pain and reduce the body's inflammatory response. This makes exorphins important in the context of chronic pain conditions and inflammatory diseases.

Research on exorphins is ongoing, with studies exploring their potential therapeutic applications in pain management and the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Understanding the mechanisms by which exorphins regulate pain and stress responses could lead to the development of novel analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.