[en-kef-uh-lin] 
| 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. |
| en·keph·a·lin (ěn-kěf'ə-lĭn) n. Either of two closely related pentapeptides having opiate qualities and occurring in the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the body. [Greek enkephalos, in the head (en-, in; see en in Indo-European roots + kephalē, head; see ghebh-el- in Indo-European roots) + -in.] |
enkephalin en·keph·a·lin (ěn-kěf'ə-lĭn)
n.
Either of two closely related pentapeptides having opiate qualities and occurring especially in the brain and spinal cord.
ə