Question

Are Beta Endorphins (produced the Anterior Pituitary gland I.e. adenohypophysis) considered Tropins?

Answer 1

Beta Endorphins are proteins that are primarily synthesized by the anterior Pituitary gland in response to physiological stress such as pain. They bind to their mu-opioid receptors and function through various mechanisms in both the central and peripheral nervous system.

Tropins are hormones that induce the release of other hormones by activating the other endocrine glands. They work in a 'negative feedback' mechanism, i.e., when the level of the hormone they have induced to be released, reaches the optimum level, the secretion of tropin is stopped.

Since beta endorphins do not induce any other endocrine gland to release its hormone, it cannot be considered a tropin. Beta endorphins work by interacting with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain just like opiate drugs [ morphine and codeine ] do.