EC Pharmacology and Toxicology

Endorphins are endogenous morphine, opioids, produced in the pituitary gland in response to physical stress and pain. Out of three endorphins such as beta-endorphin, enkephalin and dynorphin, which binds with µ, k and Ơ receptors situated on the nervous system and immune cells. Beta-endorphin is an abundant endorphin, neuropeptide synthesize and stored in the anterior pituitary gland; precursor of POMC synthesized from anterior pituitary gland in response to psychological stress induced release of CRH (corticotropin hormone) from hypothalamus. POMC is a large protein cleaved to ACTH, beta-endorphin, and MSH.