enkephalin

[ en-kef-uh-lin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. either of two pentapeptides that bind to morphine receptors in the central nervous system and have opioid properties of relatively short duration; one pentapeptide Met enkephalin has the amino acid sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met and the other Leu enkephalin has the sequence Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu.

enkephalin

/ ɛnˈsɛfəlɪn; ɛnˈkɛfəlɪn /

noun

1. a chemical occurring in the brain, having effects similar to those of morphine See also endorphin

Word History and Origins

Origin of enkephalin¹

1970–75; < Greek enképhal ( os ) encephalon + -in ²