What is the role of endorphins and enkephalins (endogenous opioids)?

From the Guidelines

Endorphins and enkephalins play a crucial role in the body's natural pain relief system, acting as the body's own opioid system to reduce pain and create feelings of well-being. These neurotransmitters are released during various activities, including stress, exercise, pain, and pleasurable activities, to inhibit pain signals and trigger feelings of pleasure 1. Endorphins are larger molecules that act more broadly throughout the nervous system, producing longer-lasting effects, while enkephalins are smaller peptides that work more locally and have shorter durations of action. Both bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which is similar to how opioid medications work, but with a more nuanced and regulated effect 1.

The body's natural production of endorphins and enkephalins can be stimulated through various means, including:

• Regular exercise, particularly aerobic activities like running or swimming for at least 30 minutes, which can create the phenomenon known as "runner's high"
• Laughter and social activities that reduce stress and increase feelings of pleasure
• Meditation and mindfulness practices that help regulate the body's response to pain and stress
• Acupuncture, which can stimulate the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters
• Consuming certain foods, such as spicy foods or dark chocolate, which can increase the release of endorphins

Understanding the role of endorphins and enkephalins in the body's natural pain management system has led to the development of pain management strategies that aim to enhance the body's own pain-control mechanisms, rather than relying solely on opioid medications 1. This approach can help reduce the risk of opioid use disorder and other adverse effects associated with long-term opioid therapy, while also promoting overall well-being and quality of life. By leveraging the body's natural pain relief system, individuals can better manage pain and improve their overall health outcomes.

From the Research

Role of Endorphins and Enkephalins

• Endorphins and enkephalins are endogenous opioid peptides that play a crucial role in pain modulation, as evident from studies 2, 3, 4, 5.
• These peptides exert their effects through opioid receptors located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, producing analgesia, emotional regulation, and neuroprotection 2, 3, 6.
• The endogenous opioid system, which includes enkephalins, beta-endorphin, and dynorphins, acts as a natural pain-relieving system, interacting with other neurotransmitters to produce analgesia 3, 4.

Physiological Effects

• Endorphins and enkephalins are involved in various physiological processes, including:
  • Pain control and modulation 2, 3, 4, 5
  • Hedonic homeostasis, mood, and well-being 6
  • Regulation of responses to stress and peripheral physiologic functions, such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and immune systems 6
  • Reward processing, motivation, learning, and memory 4

Therapeutic Implications

• Understanding the complex role of endorphins and enkephalins in pain processing provides valuable insight into potential therapeutic strategies for managing pain disorders 2, 3, 4.
• The development of safer and more efficient pain therapies is crucial, given the risks associated with exogenous opioids and the opioid crisis 4.