Peptide Families intermediate
Opioid Peptide Family
Overview of endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins in pain modulation and reward pathways.
By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 1 min read
endorphins enkephalins pain peptide-family
Overview
Opioid Peptide Family members are endogenous ligands for opioid receptors, modulating pain and reward.
Key Members
- Beta-Endorphin: Potent analgesic from POMC
- Met-Enkephalin: Ubiquitous pain modulator
- Leu-Enkephalin: Related enkephalin
- Dynorphin A: Kappa-opioid receptor agonist
- Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ: Distinct opioid-related peptide
Clinical Significance
Understanding endogenous opioids informs addiction medicine and novel analgesic development.
References
- Source: ENCP Peptide Database
- Category: Peptide Families
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