Endorphins (neurotransmitters): functions and characteristics

Neurotransmitters such as dopamine, the serotonin, the GABA wave noradrenaline.

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

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

Knowing endorphins

Endorphins are a type of endogenous neuropeptide, that is, protein chains made by the body itself, which are responsible for stimulating the brain areas that produce pleasure to the body. These substances are also known as endogenous opiates, because their chemical composition and their performance is very similar to that of opium derivatives, such as heroin and morphine. These are molecules that generally do not produce a nerve signal by themselves, but that modulate and alter neuronal sensitivity to other substances.

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

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

Basic functions of endorphins

Endorphins are really important substances in our life, participating in many different processes and contributing to the adaptability of the human being. Some of its basic functions are as follows.

1. The molecules of happiness

His best known performance has to do with feelings of pleasure, which is why they are known as the hormones of happiness.

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

2. Inhibition of physical pain

Another of the main and also best known functions of endorphins is based on the inhibition of pain. When we hit ourselves or cut ourselves or make an extreme effort, the body's tissues emit signals to the nociceptors or pain receptors they possess. However, upon arrival at the brain the pituitary gland responds to these signals by releasing endorphins almost immediately.

This release temporarily inhibits or decreases the sensation of pain., allowing the body to be able to make an adaptive response that can save your life. This, for example, would allow us to escape from a predator or a fight despite having been injured. It 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 psycho-emotional pain

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

When they give us bad news or a painful event happens, such as the death of a loved one, it is Often the initial response appears to have no immediate effect, apparently acting as if nothing past.

It is speculated that this phase is due to a production of endorphins that inhibits pain at a psychic level, since these substances reduce the level of tension and initial stress. It is explained in this way that in the face of certain stressful situations, somatic symptoms occur once this has been resolved although these did not occur in the stressful situation itself. Endorphins could act to compensate for this discomfort.

4. Influence on the immune system

Depressed moods and persistent stress decrease the immune system's ability to cope with external microorganisms over time. 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 allow coping with painful situations.

5. Memory and attention

Apart from the aforementioned effects, it has been proven that these substances participate in memory and attention, facilitating it as well-being increases capacity and many stimuli are associated with states emotional

6. Participation in sexuality

Various investigations show that the release of endorphins has a very relevant role in sexuality, facilitating desire and inducing the synthesis and release of hormones that predispose to maintaining relationships. Likewise, it is one of the types of substance that facilitate romantic bonding between the members of the couple, by causing feelings of happiness and well-being.

Situations and behaviors that enhance the production of this neurotransmitter

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

1. Laugh

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

Go to laughter therapy sessions It has also been shown to have a certain level of efficacy, since laughter is generally contagious due to the activity of mirror neurons. In fact, even if it is not a sincere laugh, muscular effort already causes the secretion of endorphins, which in turn facilitates a genuine laugh.

2. Achieve a goal

The fact of achieving something desired also gives us deep satisfaction, which translates into an increase in the production of endorphins. The feeling of accomplishment and the achievement 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. Have sex

Maintaining relationships in a satisfactory way is another of the activities that generates a high level of endorphins. In fact, along with other substances like 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, since they produce a higher level of physical effort, a greater sense of accomplishment and greater subsequent satisfaction.

5. Relax

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

6. To sleep

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

7. Caresses, kisses and massages

Physical contact with another person supposes, in general and assuming that neither the person nor the situation aversive, an increase in endorphin production if done with a certain level of precision. If you have a positive emotional bond with the person who or with whom these actions are performed, the increase in endorphin production is much greater. Reduces the level of cortisol and blood pressure, in addition to improving the connection with the other person.

8. Fell in love

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

9. The whiting that bites its tail

Given different situations or activities that cause the release of endorphins, it is possible to realize that, in general, it is the fact of feeling good or happy which causes these substances to be released. In this way, it can be observed that although endorphins cause the feeling of happiness, this feeling of happiness in turn causes the synthesis of endorphins. In this way, allowing yourself to enjoy the small moments of happiness causes us to be happier in that moment and also that we tend to have more such moments.

A risk

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

Thus, the behaviors used to reach an endorphin level that makes us feel good can become addictive very easily, which can lead to tolerance, dependence and problems with abstinence. This can cause compulsive sensation seeking and even promote highly risky behaviors. Likewise, in some people this search for a replica of the effects of endorphins leads to the consumption of different drugs, with the dangers and side effects that these pose.

Bibliographic references:

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

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

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

• Reichlin, S. (1997). Neuroendocrinology. In: Williams, Endocrinology Treaty.t1.La Habana: Scientific-technical. p. 656-8.