The DOI matches its Crossref record; 249 of the 249 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
The role of endorphins in stress: Evidence and speculations
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that the endogenous opioid peptides endorphins may play a role in the defensive response of the organism to stress. The present paper summarizes these findings as well as evidence linking endorphins to the anterior pituitary polypeptide hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Evidence is presented that endorphins may function as trophic hormones in peripheral target organs such as the adrenal medulla and the pancreas. As such they may be part of the physiological mechanisms that mediate adrenaline and glucagon release in response to stress. Endorphins (enkephalins) are also suggested to play a role in the control of the pituitary gland during stress. In such capacity they may act as hormone-releasing or inhibiting factors. Finally, endorphins appear to play a role in the behavioral concomitants of stress. In such capacity endorphins are suggested to function as modulators of neural systems that mediate the elaboration and expression of the reactive/affective components of stress. Speculations on the mode of interaction between endorphins and ACTH in the global response to stress are discussed.
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“Evidence from neuropsychological research further suggests the therapeutic value of game-based digital interventions in depression therapy, finding that positive game-playing experiences trigger the release of hormones such as endorphins and striatal dopamine7,8 that are responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being.9,10”
From Game-based digital interventions for depression therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis (2014) · cites this paper as [9]
Citations
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Effects of music interventions on stress-related outcomes: a systematic review and two meta-analyses
de Witte, M., Spruit, A., van Hooren, S., Moonen, X., & Stams, G.-J. (2020) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2019.1627897 · Cited by 539
Music therapy for stress reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
de Witte, M., Pinho, A. D. S., Stams, G.-J., Moonen, X., Bos, A. E. R., & van Hooren, S. (2022) · Health Psychology Review · doi:10.1080/17437199.2020.1846580 · Cited by 444
Game-based digital interventions for depression therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Li, J., Theng, Y.-L., & Foo, S. (2014) · Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking · doi:10.1089/cyber.2013.0481 · Cited by 219
Opiate antagonists stimulate affiliative behaviour in monkeys
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Metadata
- Authors
- Amir, S., Brown, Z. W., & Amit, Z.
- Affiliations
- Concordia University (CA)
- ORCID
- Amir, Shimon
- Venue
- Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 1980-03
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 77-86
- ISSN
- 0149-7634 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2076340827
- Cited by
- 351
- References
- 249
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 4 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 4
- FWCI
- 9.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuropeptides and Animal Physiology
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Behavioral Neuroscience › Stress Responses and Cortisol
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Endocrine and Autonomic Systems › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
- Keywords
- endorphins, enkephalin, stress response, ACTH, anterior pituitary, trophic hormones, adrenal medulla, pancreas, adrenaline secretion, glucagon secretion, pituitary regulation, behavioral stress response, opioid peptides
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Physiological, Adrenal Medulla, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone, Animals, Chemistry, Emotions, Endorphins, Epinephrine, Glucagon, Humans, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System, Insulin, Islets of Langerhans, Naloxone, Pain, Pituitary Gland, Pituitary-Adrenal System, Receptors, Opioid, Stress, Physiological, Stress, Psychological, Vasopressins, Rats, Chemical Phenomena
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