EC Psychology And Psychiatry

Endorphins are endogenous opioids, neuropeptides, synthesize and stored in the pituitary gland in response to physical and psychological stress. There are three types of endorphins betaendorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins binds with µ, k and δ receptors respectively situated on the nervous system and immune cells. Betaendorphin is an abundant endorphin, more potent than morphine, produced in the pituitary gland, it is a precursor of POMC (Proopiomelanocortin), a large protein, produced in the anterior pituitary gland in response to CRH (Corticotropin releasing hormone) cleaved to form betaendorphin, ACTH and MSH.