LEUCINE ENKEPHALIN Meaning and
Definition
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Leucine Enkephalin is a neuropeptide that belongs to the family of endogenous opioid peptides. It is composed of a sequence of amino acids, with leucine being the amino acid at the N-terminal and enkephalin being the opioid peptide at the C-terminal. Leucine Enkephalin is derived from a larger precursor protein called proenkephalin, which is processed and cleaved to release the active peptide.
Leucine Enkephalin acts as a neurotransmitter and plays a crucial role in modulating pain perception and the body's response to stress. As an opioid peptide, it interacts with specific opioid receptors, primarily the delta opioid receptor. Activation of these receptors by Leucine Enkephalin produces analgesic effects, reducing the perception of pain and enhancing pain tolerance.
Furthermore, Leucine Enkephalin also possesses several other physiological effects. It has been found to influence cardiovascular functions, such as regulating blood pressure and heart rate. Additionally, it plays a role in regulating the release of other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, and modulates the activity of the immune system.
Research has shown that alterations in the levels of Leucine Enkephalin or impaired signaling through its receptors can contribute to various disorders, including chronic pain conditions, stress-related disorders, and mood disorders. Manipulation of Leucine Enkephalin signaling may hold therapeutic potential for the management of pain, stress, and other related conditions.
Common Misspellings for LEUCINE ENKEPHALIN
- keucine enkephalin
- peucine enkephalin
- oeucine enkephalin
- lwucine enkephalin
- lsucine enkephalin
- lducine enkephalin
- lrucine enkephalin
- l4ucine enkephalin
- l3ucine enkephalin
- leycine enkephalin
- lehcine enkephalin
- lejcine enkephalin
- leicine enkephalin
- le8cine enkephalin
- le7cine enkephalin
- leuxine enkephalin
- leuvine enkephalin
- leufine enkephalin
- leudine enkephalin
- leucune enkephalin
Etymology of LEUCINE ENKEPHALIN
The word "Leucine Enkephalin" is a combination of two terms: "leucine" and "enkephalin", which are derived from different sources.
1. Leucine: The term "leucine" comes from the French word "leucine" and the Latin word "leucina", which in turn originates from the Greek word "leukos" meaning "white". Leucine is an essential amino acid and is one of the building blocks of proteins.
2. Enkephalin: The term "enkephalin" is formed from the combination of the words "enkephalos" (Greek for "brain") and "kephalé" (Greek for "head"). Enkephalins are a group of endogenous opioid peptides found in the human brain and central nervous system, which have pain-relieving effects.
