| Description |
Beta-endorphin is an endogenous opioid neuropeptide found in neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous system. It is one of five endorphins found in humans, i.e. alpha-endorphin, gamma-endorphin, alpha-neoendorphin, and beta-neoendorphin. Beta-endorphin is a 31-aa peptide resulting from processing of the precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Beta-endorphin is an agonist of the opioid receptors (mu-opioid receptor in brain and mu- and kappa-receptors in spinal cord). It is used as an analgesic to numb pain.
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