Identifiers | |
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3D model (
JSmol)
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|
ChemSpider | |
PubChem
CID
|
|
| |
Properties | |
C77H120N18O26S | |
Molar mass | 1745.97 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their
standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
|
α-Endorphin (alpha-endorphin) is an endogenous opioid peptide with a length of 16 amino acids, and the amino acid sequence: Tyr- Gly-Gly- Phe- Met- Thr- Ser- Glu- Lys-Ser- Gln-Thr- Pro- Leu- Val-Thr. [1] With the use of mass spectrometry, Nicholas Ling was able to determine the primary sequence of a-endorphin. [2]
Endorphins are generally known as neurotransmitters that are released when the body goes into pain. [3] The three endorphins that play a role in this response are α-endorphin, β-endorphin (beta-endorphin), and γ-endorphin (gamma-endorphin) which are all derived from the same polypeptide known as pro-opiomelanocortin. [3] Although all play roles as neurotransmitters, the specific effects of all three differ. The most studied endorphin of the three is β-endorphin. α-Endorphins are known to contain one less amino acid than γ-endorphins, differing by a single leucine amino acid at the terminal end. [4] Although this may seem minor, It allows them to have vastly different effects. Studies found that γ-endorphins and α-endorphins have opposite effects which allow them to help maintain a level of homeostasis within the brain and behavior of animals. [5] All of the specific effects on the body of α-endorphins are not yet fully studied nor fully understood by the science community. However, some studies suggest that these endorphins behave similarly to amphetamines. [6] Similarly, other studies agree that Alpha-endorphins effects are similar to psychostimulant drugs. [6]
Ranking based length, α-endorphins are the shortest with 16 amino acid residues. [3] Meanwhile, the β-endorphin has the longest chain which begins with the same 16 amino acids as α-Endorphins: Tyr- Gly-Gly- Phe- Met- Thr- Ser- Glu- Lys-Ser- Gln-Thr- Pro- Leu- Val-Thr. [3] The same sequence is also present in γ-endorphin. [3] The beginning Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met chain is also known as the N-terminal pentapeptide opioid sequence. [3] With such configuration, endorphins act as agonists to opioid receptors in the brain. [3]
Studies have shown that α-endorphin is the strongest peptide in delaying avoidance behaviors. [7] α-Endorphin has the same C-terminal sequence of β-LPH, allowing these peptides to have a high affinity for opiate binding sites. [7] Even a slight difference in the C-terminal amino acid can have drastic effects on avoidance behavior. [7] The importance in sequencing determines the function of the endorphin. [7] When an N-terminal amino acid such as tyrosine is removed, there seems to be no significant impacts on avoidance behavior. [7] However, when there are adjustments to the C-terminal sequence, like removing β-LPH 61-65; activity of the endorphin decreases. [7]
Identifiers | |
---|---|
3D model (
JSmol)
|
|
ChemSpider | |
PubChem
CID
|
|
| |
Properties | |
C77H120N18O26S | |
Molar mass | 1745.97 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their
standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
|
α-Endorphin (alpha-endorphin) is an endogenous opioid peptide with a length of 16 amino acids, and the amino acid sequence: Tyr- Gly-Gly- Phe- Met- Thr- Ser- Glu- Lys-Ser- Gln-Thr- Pro- Leu- Val-Thr. [1] With the use of mass spectrometry, Nicholas Ling was able to determine the primary sequence of a-endorphin. [2]
Endorphins are generally known as neurotransmitters that are released when the body goes into pain. [3] The three endorphins that play a role in this response are α-endorphin, β-endorphin (beta-endorphin), and γ-endorphin (gamma-endorphin) which are all derived from the same polypeptide known as pro-opiomelanocortin. [3] Although all play roles as neurotransmitters, the specific effects of all three differ. The most studied endorphin of the three is β-endorphin. α-Endorphins are known to contain one less amino acid than γ-endorphins, differing by a single leucine amino acid at the terminal end. [4] Although this may seem minor, It allows them to have vastly different effects. Studies found that γ-endorphins and α-endorphins have opposite effects which allow them to help maintain a level of homeostasis within the brain and behavior of animals. [5] All of the specific effects on the body of α-endorphins are not yet fully studied nor fully understood by the science community. However, some studies suggest that these endorphins behave similarly to amphetamines. [6] Similarly, other studies agree that Alpha-endorphins effects are similar to psychostimulant drugs. [6]
Ranking based length, α-endorphins are the shortest with 16 amino acid residues. [3] Meanwhile, the β-endorphin has the longest chain which begins with the same 16 amino acids as α-Endorphins: Tyr- Gly-Gly- Phe- Met- Thr- Ser- Glu- Lys-Ser- Gln-Thr- Pro- Leu- Val-Thr. [3] The same sequence is also present in γ-endorphin. [3] The beginning Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met chain is also known as the N-terminal pentapeptide opioid sequence. [3] With such configuration, endorphins act as agonists to opioid receptors in the brain. [3]
Studies have shown that α-endorphin is the strongest peptide in delaying avoidance behaviors. [7] α-Endorphin has the same C-terminal sequence of β-LPH, allowing these peptides to have a high affinity for opiate binding sites. [7] Even a slight difference in the C-terminal amino acid can have drastic effects on avoidance behavior. [7] The importance in sequencing determines the function of the endorphin. [7] When an N-terminal amino acid such as tyrosine is removed, there seems to be no significant impacts on avoidance behavior. [7] However, when there are adjustments to the C-terminal sequence, like removing β-LPH 61-65; activity of the endorphin decreases. [7]