enkephalins

Pronunciation: en-kef'a-linz

Definition: Pentapeptide endorphins, found in many parts of the brain, that bind to specific receptor sites, some of which may be pain-related opiate receptors; hypothesized as endogenous neurotransmitters and nonaddicting analgesics. Metenkephalin is Tyr–Gly–Gly–Phe–Met; leuenkephalin has Leu in place of Met; proenkephalin has Pro in place of Met.

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© Copyright 2018 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review date: Sep 19, 2016.

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