Neural Endorphin System

A Neural Endorphin System is a neurochemical system that produces and releases endogenous opioid peptides for pain modulation, reward processing, and social bonding.

• AKA: Endorphin System, Endogenous Opioid System, Beta-Endorphin System, Natural Opioid System.
• Context:
  • It can typically involve Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus for endorphin production.
  • It can typically bind to Mu-Opioid Receptors through receptor activation.
  • It can often trigger Dopamine Release via reward pathway activation.
  • It can often elevate Pain Threshold through analgesic effects.
  • It can range from being a Low Endorphin Activity System to being a High Endorphin Activity System, depending on its activation level.
  • It can range from being a Central Endorphin System to being a Peripheral Endorphin System, depending on its anatomical location.
  • It can range from being a Baseline Endorphin System to being a Stimulated Endorphin System, depending on its activation state.
  • It can range from being a Normal Endorphin System to being a Dysregulated Endorphin System, depending on its functional status.
  • It can interact with Serotonin System through neurotransmitter crosstalk.
  • It can mediate Social Bonding Process through pleasurable sensations.
  • It can respond to Physical Exercise through activity-induced release.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Exercise-Induced Endorphin Systems, such as:
    • Runner's High System for prolonged aerobic activity.
    • Weight Training Endorphin Response for resistance exercise.
    • Swimming Endorphin Release for aquatic exercise.
  • Social Endorphin Systems, such as:
    • Laughter-Induced Endorphin System for social bonding.
    • Physical Touch Endorphin System for intimate connection.
    • Music-Induced Endorphin System for aesthetic pleasure.
  • Stress Response Endorphin Systems, such as:
    • Acute Stress Endorphin Release for pain management.
    • Combat Endorphin Response for survival situation.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Exogenous Opioid System, which involves external opioids.
  • Dopamine System, which primarily uses dopamine neurotransmitter.
  • GABA System, which provides inhibitory neurotransmission.
• See: Neurochemical System, Opioid Receptor System, Pain Modulation System, Reward System, Social Bonding Process, Pituitary Gland, Hypothalamus, Beta-Endorphin, Proopiomelanocortin (POMC), Neurotransmitter System, Mu-Opioid Receptor, Delta-Opioid Receptor.

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