Endorphin and enkephalin are examples of which type of mediators?

Endorphin and enkephalin are examples of which type of mediators?

• A. Endogenous opioids
• B. Exogenous analgesics
• C. Cytokines
• D. Growth factors

Answer: (A)

Endogenous opioids are natural pain-relief mediators produced by the body. Endorphins and enkephalins are peptide molecules that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to dampen pain signals, raise the pain threshold, and can produce a sense of well-being. They’re released in response to stress, exercise, or other analgesic stimuli, acting to inhibit the transmission of pain signals. This distinguishes them from exogenous analgesics—drugs introduced from outside the body like morphine—as well as from cytokines or growth factors, which serve different signaling roles. In short, endorphins and enkephalins are the body’s own opioids that modulate and reduce pain.

Endogenous opioids are natural pain-relief mediators produced by the body. Endorphins and enkephalins are peptide molecules that bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to dampen pain signals, raise the pain threshold, and can produce a sense of well-being. They’re released in response to stress, exercise, or other analgesic stimuli, acting to inhibit the transmission of pain signals. This distinguishes them from exogenous analgesics—drugs introduced from outside the body like morphine—as well as from cytokines or growth factors, which serve different signaling roles. In short, endorphins and enkephalins are the body’s own opioids that modulate and reduce pain.