Endorphins (neurotransmitters): functions and characteristics

What is the function of endorphins in our nervous system?

They are already known neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA or noradrenaline.

They are substances that act at the cerebral level contributing to the transmission of information between the different neurons, causing a great diversity of effects.They cause a wide range of physiological, cognitive, emotional and behavioral effects. We know that dopamine participates in the brain reward mechanism, that serotonin is known as the hormone of tranquility or that noradrenaline helps us to stay awake and attentive.

However, in addition to these substances, there are other neurotransmitters of great relevance to our lives, such as the molecules that cause feelings of true satisfaction and happiness, as well as those that help us endure pain. We are talking about endorphins.

Getting to know endorphins

Endorphins are a type of endogenous neuropeptide, i.e. chains of proteins elaborated by the organism itself, which stimulate the brain areas that produce pleasure to the organism.which are in charge of stimulating the brain areas that produce pleasure to the organism. These substances are also known as endogenous opiates, because their chemical composition and action is very similar to that of opium derivatives, such as heroin and morphine. They are molecules that in general do not produce a nerve signal by themselves, but modulate and alter neuronal sensitivity to other substances.

The synthesis of endorphins occurs mainly in the hypophysis or pineal gland, a brain structure that regulates the balance of the organism through the secretion of hormones, participating in relevant processes such as growth and maturational development, sexuality and metabolism. From this structure endorphins are distributed throughout the rest of the nervous system. Their presence has also been observed in the gastrointestinal system.

Their absence or a low level of them induces depressive and anxious symptoms, making it more difficult to overcome aversive situations and traumas.making it more difficult to overcome aversive situations and traumas. In addition, it facilitates the fall and/or relapse in the addiction of substances that can simulate their effect.

Basic functions of endorphins

Endorphins are really important substances in our life, participating in many different processes and contributing to the adaptive capacity of the human being. Some of their basic functions are the following.

1. The molecules of happiness

Their best known action has to do with the sensations of pleasure, which is why they are known as "happiness molecules".They are known as the hormones of happiness.

In this aspect, they create a feeling of well-being and calmness both physically and mentally, which induces the sensation of happiness. In fact, this causes its secretion to be perceived by the organism as a kind of reward, which leads us to repeat the behavior that provokes this hormonal release mechanism.

2. Inhibition of physical pain

Another of the main and best known functions of endorphins is based on the inhibition of pain. When we give ourselves a blow or we make a cut or we make an extreme effort the tissues of the organism emit signals to the nociceptors or pain receptors that they possess. However, when these signals reach the brain, the pituitary gland responds by releasing endorphins almost immediately.

This release temporarily inhibits or diminishes the sensation of pain.This release temporarily inhibits or diminishes the sensation of pain, allowing the organism to be able to perform an adaptive response that can save its life. This, for example, would allow us to escape from a predator or a fight despite having been injured. This is what causes that when we break a bone, the initial pain is not as intense as the one that will be felt later, once relaxed.

3. Inhibition of psychoemotional pain

In the previous point we talked about the role of endorphins in the inhibition of physical pain. Endorphins also act in the same way in the face of psychological suffering, such as that produced by life events.such as that produced by painful life events, trauma, stress or anxiety.

When we are given bad news or a painful event occurs, such as the death of a loved one, it is common that the initial response seems to have no immediate effect, acting as if nothing had happened.

It is speculated that this phase is due to the production of endorphins that inhibit pain at a psychic level, since these substances reduce the initial level of tension and stress. This explains why, in certain stressful situations, somatic symptoms are produced once the stress has been resolved, even though they were not produced in the stressful situation itself. The endorphins could act compensating this discomfort.

4. Influence on the immune system

The depressed moods and the persistence of stress diminish with time the capacity of the immune system to face external microorganisms. That is why when we are in a time of great stress it is easier to get sick both at that time and after the situation has passed. The release of endorphins, however, produces a strengthening of this system by improving the emotional situation and allowing us to cope with stressful situations. and allowing the coping of painful situations.

5. Memory and attention

Apart from the mentioned effects, it has been proved that these substances participate in memory and attention, facilitating it to the extent that well-being increases the capacity and many stimuli are associated to emotional states.

6. Participation in sexuality

Diverse investigations reflect that the liberation of endorphins has a very relevant role in sexuality.facilitating desire and inducing the synthesis and release of hormones that predispose to the maintenance of relationships. Likewise, it is one of the types of substance that facilitates the romantic bonding between the members of the couple, by provoking feelings of happiness and well-being.

Situations and behaviors that boost the production of this neurotransmitter

The action of endorphins helps us to feel happiness and to diminish painful sensations both physically and emotionally. It has been observed that some activities and situations favor its production, such as the following.

1. Laughing

Studies have shown that laughing heartily produces endorphins.. Joking and a sense of humor can help us, both ourselves and others, to improve our mood and make us happier.

Attending laughter therapy sessions has also been shown to have some level of effectiveness, because laughter is generally contagious due to the activity of mirror neurons. In fact, even if it is not a sincere laughter, the muscular effort already provokes the secretion of endorphins, which in turn facilitates the appearance of genuine laughter.

2. Fulfilling a goal

The fact of achieving something desired also produces a deep satisfaction, which translates into an endorphin release.which translates into an increase in the production of endorphins. The feeling of achievement and the attainment of the goal, whether there is an extrinsic reward or not, improves our well-being. Especially when the level of effort expended has been high.

3. Having sex

Satisfactory sexual intercourse is another activity that generates a high level of endorphins.. In fact, along with other substances such as oxytocin and progesterone, endorphins are excreted right after orgasm.

4. Physical exercise

It is common knowledge that running or playing sports generates endorphins.. Specifically, cardiovascular and aerobic exercises are recommended, as they produce a higher level of physical exertion, greater sense of accomplishment and greater satisfaction afterwards.

5. Relax

The synthesis of endorphins does not depend solely on performing a specific action.. Many times it is enough just to relax. Taking a bath, listening to music, reading for pleasure or simply meditating can generate a lot of endorphins, especially after a stressful day.

6. Sleep

Maintaining a good sleep hygiene is essential to keep endorphin production high. That is why after a good night's sleep we usually wake up in a good mood, and vice versa in the case of a bad sleep. Satisfactory sleep facilitates a positive attitude and the presence of energy necessary to carry out any activity.

7. Caresses, kisses and massages

The physical contact with another person supposes, in general and supposing that neither the person nor the situation are aversive to us, an increase in the production of endorphins if it is carried out with certain level of precision. If there is a positive emotional bond with the person who or with whom these actions are performed, the increase in endorphin production is much greater. Reduces cortisol levels and Blood pressure, as well as improving the connection with the other person..

8. Falling in love

It has been said more than once that love is like a drug.. The truth is that this expression is more correct than we think, because the sensations of happiness and satisfaction that we feel when we fall in love are produced at a biochemical level by endorphins, along with other substances such as dopamine and noradrenaline.

9. The whiting that bites its own tail

In view of the different situations or activities that provoke the release of endorphins, it is possible to realize that, in general, it is the fact of feeling good or happy that causes the release of endorphins. the fact of feeling good or happy what provokes the release of these substances.. Thus, it can be observed that although endorphins provoke the feeling of happiness, this feeling of happiness in turn provokes the synthesis of endorphins. Thus, allowing ourselves to enjoy the small moments of happiness causes us to be happier at that moment and also to tend to have more such moments.

A risk

The production of endorphins and the maintenance of the sensations they produce are something very desirable and sought after by most people. However, it is necessary to take into account that these are substances that, although they are generated endogenously and therefore do not produce a hook by themselves, they provide a high level of wellbeing that can be actively and even compulsively sought by the individual..

Thus, the behaviors used to reach a level of endorphins that make us feel good can easily become addictive, and can produce tolerance, dependence and withdrawal problems. This can lead to compulsive sensation seeking and even promote highly risky behaviors. Likewise, in some people this search for the replication of the effects of endorphins leads to the consumption of different drugs, with the dangers and side effects that these entail.

Bibliographical references:

• Cheido, M.A. & Idova, G.V. (1998). Effect of opioid peptides on immunomodulation. Ross-Fiziol-Zh-Im-I-M- Sechenova; 84(4): 385-90.

• Kolb, B. & Whishaw, I. (2006). Human neuropsychology. Madrid: McGraw-Hill.

• Leihninger, A. L.; Nelson, D. L. & Cox, M. M. (1995). Principles of Biochemistry. 2nd ed. Barcelona: Ediciones Omega; p. 334-6.

• Johnston, D. & Wu, S.M.S. (1995). Foundations of Cellular Neurophysiology. MIT Press.

• Reichlin, S. (1997). Neuroendocrinology. In: Williams, Tratado de Endocrinología.t1.La Habana: Científico-técnica. p. 656-8.