2-Minute Neuroscience: Beta-Endorphin

Beta-endorphin (often simply called endorphin) is a peptide neurotransmitter and hormone and one of a class of substances known as “endogenous opioids.” Its best-understood effect is natural pain inhibition, but it is also hypothesized to be involved in a number of other functions ranging from regulation of the stress response to the processing of rewarding experiences. In this video, I discuss beta-endorphin and some of its proposed functions.

TRANSCRIPT:

Beta-endorphin is a peptide neurotransmitter and hormone found in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is one of a class of substances called endogenous opioids, which received their name because they are produced by the body and bind to the same receptors that opioid drugs like morphine bind to. The term endorphin is a blend of the words “endogenous” and “morphine.”

By binding to opioid receptors, beta-endorphin can elicit natural pain-relieving effects that have been found to be more potent than morphine. Beta-endorphin may achieve this type of analgesia by binding to opioid receptors in various regions of the nervous system. It can, for example, bind to opioid receptors in the spinal cord and inhibit the activation of neurons that transmit pain signals to the brain. And, beta-endorphin can act on opioid receptors in the brainstem that prompt the inhibition of pain signaling in the spinal cord through descending pathways.

Pain inhibition is the best-understood effect of beta-endorphin, but the peptide has also been linked to a long list of other functions. For example, beta-endorphin is released during stress and is thought to play a role in regulating the stress response as well as in the pain inhibition that can occur during acute stress. Beta-endorphin is also thought to interact with the dopamine system and be involved with rewarding experiences. Some research suggests beta-endorphin plays a role in the positive effects exercise can have on mood. And it has been associated with food intake and sexual behavior. Links between beta-endorphin and positive mood have led to a number of claims about endorphins promoting pleasure and happiness. In truth, however, much still needs to be learned about the functions of beta-endorphin in the nervous system and the role of beta-endorphin in positive mood states is still not fully understood.

References:

Corder G, Castro DC, Bruchas MR, Scherrer G. Endogenous and Exogenous Opioids in Pain. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2018 Jul 8;41:453-473. doi: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-080317-061522. Epub 2018 May 31.

Dalayeun JF, Norès JM, Bergal S. Physiology of beta-endorphins. A close-up view and a review of the literature. Biomed Pharmacother. 1993;47(8):311-20.

Dinas PC, Koutedakis Y, Flouris AD. Effects of exercise and physical activity on depression. Ir J Med Sci. 2011 Jun;180(2):319-25. doi: 10.1007/s11845-010-0633-9. Epub 2010 Nov 14.

Veening JG, Barendregt HP. The effects of beta-endorphin: state change modification. Fluids Barriers CNS. 2015 Jan 29;12:3. doi: 10.1186/2045-8118-12-3.

[malignantsparrow]

good god, your channel is criminally underrated! keep the vids coming <33

[PracticalInspiration]

Great share and glad you added the point at the end that this is something we're still learning about.

[DaatEdiciones]

Muchas gracias por el video.. Saludos desde Chile

[Rene-uzeb]

I don't think endorphins were ever designed to be activated long term (receptors disappear), but only to override pain signals in critical situations, reward etc. For chronic pain I think we need to look into desensitization paths. For some reason I'm pinned on Substance P. That thing has so many effects: pain neurotransmitter, type 1 inflammation inducer, and it induces inflammation and damage to Asctrocytes, the housekeepers of the CNS. Astrocytes also manage Glutamate amount. Astrocytes are sensitive to vitamin B12 deficiency.

[shitbag.]

Reading "Stahl's essential psychopharmacology", watching your videos and generally being interested in the brain/drugs has lead to an enticing amount of "is not well understood" sentences and by far the most tantalizing of words.. "mystery"

Our brains are our mystery.. Stahl even calls us detectives..


BEST SUBJECT EVER!!

THANK YOU!!!

[ilovejendog]

is there a name for the feeling of goosebumps w/out the bumps...like where goosebumps have their cue but it's way quicker with the during hi-stress?

[mindhive]

Very informative. Do you know where Beta-endorphin is specifically produced in the brain?

[TroyW]

Great video! Besides pain inhibition (acting mostly on Substance P) is the link between B-endorphins most strongly linked with exercise and pain reduction? Is there any 'feel good' effects known with this peptide or is this more of the serotonin role post-exercise?

[Biomeducated]

Nice!
Question: is beta-endorphin stable enough to administer via a fluid bag, given that it's more potent than morphine. Perhaps the endogenous opioid is too complex to synthesize compared to morphine. or maybe there's a bio-production system where cells in culture produce and secrete beta-endorphin? Any ideas on recent developments here? :)

[nickjohn]

Hi. A question though. I read someehere that nicotine can activated beta-endorphin system. Is that correct?

[gqdgeed]

Im here from the video where Baki twists his ear for endorphins before a fight.

[valda]

Nice! I am just reading Pain chapter in your book where this hormon is described 👍🏻

[jenniferbates]

I really enjoy your videos! I'm going to college for psychology and sexual science, when I talk to women about learn how to get in touch with themselves, exercise first. Please keep the videos coming.

[pjg]

What specific site does beta endorphin bind to on the mu opioid receptor? Like what specific residues or site names? Or is there only one binding site on this receptor?

[macandcheese]

Do endorphins have long lasting effects?

[kaganbumin]

Do animals secrete beta endorphins to avoid pain when dying?

[kokocipher]

Beta Endorphin share molecular origin w/ ACTH and MSH

[snip-sniptear]

So, the take home message: Beta Endorphins inhibits pain through acute stress and can induce dopamine effects of rewarding experiences.

[najeebenton]

Is there a supplement for Beta Endorphin?

[rachansahithkicku]

What if i exactly feeling every word that you said?? 😳😳😵‍💫😵‍💫