beta-endorphin

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Related to beta-endorphin: dopamine

beta-endorphin

(bā′tə-ĕn-dôr′fĭn, bē′-)

An endorphin produced by the pituitary gland that is a potent pain suppressant.

beta-endorphin

An endorphin derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) via beta-lipotropin, which is linked to hypophyseal secretion and pain perception.

Normal
Beta-endorphin is present in the CNS, pituitary gland and peripheral tissues.

Abnormal
Beta-endorphin is increased in pain, stress, endotoxic shock, opiate addiction, premenstrual syndrome, childbirth, exercise, mental disorders and hypertension.

beta-endorphin

One of the body's own substances with morphine-like actions. It is part of the precursor molecule of ACTH.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

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References in periodicals archive ?

This feel-good molecule, called beta-endorphin, may explain why some people seem addicted to tanning.

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Mentioned mechanisms (antidiuretic effects, suppression of spontaneous contractions of circular smooth muscle fibers in the urinary tract system, and stimulating the release of beta-endorphins by the hypothalamus) were considered reasonable causes for effective role of desmopressin in our study.

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Enhanced analgesia occurs through other central nervous system components such as the opioid peptide producing neurones resulting in the production of beta-endorphin and its derivatives.

The emotional and hormonal pathways of labour and birth: integrating mind, body and behavior

[88] measured cerebralspinal fluid (CSF) levels of beta-endorphin, an opioid hormone, in 19 Japanese children (17 boys, 2 girls, mean age 4.23 years, range 2.00-6.42) with typical infantile autism (ASD).

Pain sensitivity and observer perception of pain in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder

Norepinephrine, adrenocorticotropin, cortisol and beta-endorphin in women suffering from fear of labor: Responses to the cold pressor test during and after pregnancy.

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Effect of sex steroids on beta-endorphin in hypophyseal portal blood.

MORPHINE INHIBITS TESTOSTERONE SECRETION FROM RAT LEYDIG CELLS IN VITRO

So, sweet preference or "sugar addiction" may be a compensatory behavior for a latent or deficient beta-endorphin system.

Sweet preference, sugar addiction and the familial history of alcohol dependence: shared neural pathways and genes

Beta-endorphin, Metenkephalin and corresponding opioid receptors within synovium of patients with joint trauma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The impact of C[O.sub.2] dry baths on subpopulations of NK and NK-T lymphocytes, cytotoxic activity, level of inflammation and pain management in elderly with musculosceletal syndromes--a pilot study

Characterization of the effects of acute ethanol administration on the release of beta-endorphin peptides by the rat hypothalamus.

How adaptation of the brain to alcohol leads to dependence: a pharmacological perspective

Borzenkov et al., "The Additive Synthesis of a Regulatory Peptide in Vivo: The Administration of a Vaccinal Francisella tularensis Strain That Produces Beta-Endorphin," Biull Eksp Biol Med, August 1993.

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The main groups of opioid peptides, enkephalins, dynorphins and beta-endorphin, are derived from proenkephalin, prodynorphin and proopiomelanocortin, respectively (20).

Morphine: axon regeneration, neuroprotection, neurotoxicity, tolerance, and neuropathic pain

Beta-endorphin and stress hormones in patients affected by osteoarthritis undergoing thermal mud therapy.

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