Endorphins

From WikEd

Descriptions and Definitions

According to Rathus and Nevid, the word endorphin comes from the words endogenous morphine. Endogenous means developing from within. Endorphins are similar to the narcotic morphine in their functions, and we produce them in our own bodies. They occur naturally in the brain and bloodstream.

According to the Houghton Mifflin Dictionary, an endorphin is any of a group of peptide hormones that bind to opiate receptors and are found mainly in the brain. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions.

According to the 2001 Columbia House Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, endorphins are neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties similar to morphine. There are three major types of endorphins: beta endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphin. Beta endorphins are found primarily in the pituitary gland, and enkephalins and dynorphin are both distributed throughout the nervous system. Endorphins interact with opiate receptor neurons to reduce the intensity of pain. Among individuals afflicted with chronic pain disorders, endorphins are often found in high numbers. Many painkilling drugs, such as morphine and codeine, act like endorphins and actually activate opiate receptors. Besides behaving as a pain regulator, endorphins are also thought to be connected to physiological processes including euphoric feelings, appetite modulation, and the release of sex hormones. Prolonged, continuous exercise contributes to an increased production and release of endorphins, resulting in a sense of euphoria that has been popularly labeled "runner's high."

According to About.com, endorphins are chemicals produced in the brain in response to a variety of stimuli, and they may be nature's cure for high levels of stress. In addition to decreased feelings of pain, secretion of endorphins leads to a feeling of euphoria, modulation of appetite, release of sex hormones, and enhancement of the immune response. With high endorphin levels, we feel less pain and fewer negative effects of stress.

Types of Endorphins

Beta-endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and are believed to produce a greater "high" than the other types of endorphins. The beta-endorphin is generally believed to provide a considerable amount of natural pain relief. Some scientists believe it is due to beta-endorphins that some people who experience a traumatic injury, such as the loss of a limb, experience little or no immediate pain.

Alpha-endorphins have been studied since the 1970's, but little is known about how they affect the body. Some research suggests that alpha-endorphins may stimulate the brain in ways similar to amphetamines and others claim that they may help treat anaphylactic shock and similar conditions.

Gamma-endorphins have also been researched since the 1970's, but most of the information on how the substance affects the body is pure speculation. Some studies show that they have antipsychotic effects on patients suffering from disorders such as schizophrenia, whele others show that they may help regulate blood pressure.

How Do Endorphins Work?

Endorphins act by locking into receptors in the nervous system for chemicals that transmit pain messages to the brain. Once the endorphin, or the "key", is in the "lock," pain causing chemicals are prevented from transmitting their messages (Rathus and Nevid 2003). Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain, similar to the drugs morphine and codeine. The body's release of endorphins,however, does not lead to addiction like morphine and codeine might.

A number of peptides have important biological roles. For example, glutathione contains a cysteine residue that is easily oxidized. It prevents oxidative damage to tissue. Met-enkaphalin is one of a series of endorphins. These molecules bind to the same receptors in the brain as morphine and function as natural pain killers. The endorphins can also function as neurotransmitters to modulate memory social attachments.

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Oxytocin, another small peptide, causes uterine contractions that lead to childbirth and initiates milk production. More importantly for education, this peptide also plays a role in many behavioral processes, memory, and spatial learning.

Releasing Endorphins

The release of endorphins is different based on each individual. Certain foods such as chocolate and chili peppers can lead to enhanced production of endorphins. Laughter is thought to release endorphins into the brain. Strenuous exercise, exposure to ultraviolet light, massage therapy, and acupuncture can also activate endorphin production.

Application in and Effects on Classrooms and Similar Settings

I was unable to find any information on the effect that endorphins have on the school or similar settings. I am willing to venture though, that it is important for teachers to include time for laughter and exercise in their classroom. Both of these activities lead to the release of endorphins, which will therefore lead to a more positive atmosphere within the classroom. Endorphins are the body's natural solution to stress, and the less stress in the classroom, the better!

Signed Life Experiences, Testimonies, and Stories

I have taken up running lately and have experienced the "runners high" for the first time. The "runners high" is known to occur after about 20 minutes and creates an almost eupohoric sensation where everything in your body seems to work harmoniously. The "high" is said to be a resut of the release of endorphins in your brain. I had underestimated the power of endorphins until I experienced this. -N.R.

After ISAT testing each day, I would turn on some music such as the chicken dance, the twist, the hokey pokey, or the bunny hop. The students would dance and laugh for about ten to fifteen minutes to help them release some of their stress and tension. In allowing them to do this, they didn't seem to mind taking the tests as much and were actually sad when they were over because they no longer had dance time except on special occasions. I didn't realize at the time that these activities would lead to an increased secretion of endorphins, but it explains the change in the environment and the attitude towards testing.

Running out of the tunnel into a stadium packed with 80,000 mostly drunk fans who either love you or hate you, is a great way to feel the release of endorphines in your brain. As football player the release of endorphines is almost thing that you keep on playing for. When you are in game where you feel like you can't play anymore because of how fatigued you are, and then you end up actually winning the game. The release of endorphines is intense to say the least. You have all this new energy, where you feel like you could celebrate for hours! I love this feeling. J. Simmons

I firmly believe that this endorphine release is addictive! I lift and run and really feel great after I have done so. If I get busy at work and don't work out for a few days, I get sluggish, have problems sleeping and don't eat as much. I think far more research can be done on this topic! -M. Hanes (2006)