Dynorphin
Dynorphin
Dynorphin (pronounced: dye-NOR-fin) is a type of endorphin that is produced in many different parts of the brain. Its name comes from the Greek words dynastes (meaning power) and orphnos (meaning orphan).
Etymology
The term "Dynorphin" is derived from the Greek words dynastes meaning "power" and orphnos meaning "orphan". It was first coined in the late 1970s when the substance was discovered.
Function
Dynorphin functions as a neurotransmitter and is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including pain perception, stress response, and emotional states. It is known to have a strong affinity for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR), and its primary function is to regulate the activity of these receptors.
Related Terms
- Endorphin: A group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides that activate the body's opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.
- Neurotransmitter: Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron (nerve cell) to another 'target' neuron, muscle cell, or gland cell.
- Kappa opioid receptor (KOR): One of four related receptors that bind opioid-like compounds in the brain and are responsible for mediating the effects of these compounds. These include analgesia, sedation, euphoria and respiratory depression.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dynorphin
- Wikipedia's article - Dynorphin
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski