ENKEPHALINASE Meaning and
Definition
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Enkephalinase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the regulation of pain and the modulation of emotions. Enkephalins are small neuropeptides that act as natural painkillers and mood regulators in the human body. They work by binding to opioid receptors found in various regions of the central nervous system.
Enkephalinase, also known as neutral endopeptidase (NEP) or neprilysin, is responsible for the breakdown and degradation of enkephalins. It functions by cleaving the peptide bond between amino acids in the enkephalins, resulting in their inactivation. This enzymatic activity effectively terminates the pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of the enkephalins.
The activity of enkephalinase is critical in maintaining proper pain perception and emotional balance. Dysregulation or deficiency of this enzyme can lead to altered pain responses, heightened sensitivity to pain, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Enkephalinase inhibitors are pharmaceutical compounds that inhibit the activity of this enzyme and prolong the effects of enkephalins. These inhibitors have potential therapeutic applications in the management of chronic pain conditions and mood disorders. By blocking the breakdown of enkephalins, they help to maintain higher levels of these natural painkillers and mood regulators in the body.
In summary, enkephalinase is an enzyme that degrades enkephalins, natural painkillers and mood regulators. It plays a pivotal role in the regulation of pain perception and emotional well-being, and its inhibitors are being explored as potential therapeutic interventions in various conditions.
Common Misspellings for ENKEPHALINASE
- Enkephalinasu
- Enkephalinasm
- Enkephalinasa
- Enkephalinasg
- e nkephalinase
- en kephalinase
- enk ephalinase
- enkeph alinase
- enkepha linase
- enkephal inase
- enkephali nase
- enkephalin ase
- enkephalina se
- enkephalinas e
Etymology of ENKEPHALINASE
The word "enkephalinase" is derived from two components: "enkephalin" and "ase".
1. Enkephalin: The term "enkephalin" was coined by combining the Greek word "enkephalos", meaning "brain", with the word "kephalin", referring to a type of protein found in brain tissue. Enkephalins are small peptide molecules that act as neurotransmitters in the brain and are involved in regulating pain perception.
2. -ase: In biological terminology, the suffix "-ase" is commonly used to denote an enzyme. Enzymes are proteins that accelerate chemical reactions within living organisms. Thus, "ase" signifies that the compound "enkephalinase" is an enzyme involved in the metabolism or breakdown of enkephalins.
Similar spelling words for ENKEPHALINASE
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