The difference between endorphins and dopamine and their pharmacological effects

Endorphins and dopamine are two different neurotransmitters, with endorphins primarily involved in pain relief and pleasure, while dopamine is involved in reward mechanisms and motor regulation. There are also significant differences in the pharmacological effects between the two. Endorphin drugs are mostly used for pain relief, while dopamine drugs are used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

1. Functional Differences

Endorphins belong to endogenous opioid peptides, which produce analgesic effects by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system, while also relieving stress and bringing a sense of calm and pleasure. Dopamine is the core substance of the reward system, which drives motivational behavior by activating brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens. Its secretion peak occurs when immediate rewards are obtained.

2. Secretion mechanism

Endorphins are usually released by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus during prolonged exercise, pain stimulation, or stress, with a slow but persistent effect. Dopamine is rapidly released by neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area, and responds sensitively to fresh stimuli and expected rewards, but its metabolic rate is fast.

3. Drug targets

Drugs developed based on endorphins include analgesics such as tramadol hydrochloride, which alleviate chronic pain by simulating the action of endorphins. Dopamine drugs such as levodopa are used to supplement the missing dopamine in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients, while dopamine receptor agonists can improve negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

4. Duration of action

The pleasure induced by endorphins often persists for several hours after exercise and has a delayed gratification characteristic. The pleasure brought by dopamine is bound to immediate rewards, such as game victories or food intake, but it fades quickly and easily forms a dependency cycle.

5. Imbalance effect

insufficient endorphins may lead to pain sensitivity and depressive tendencies, while excessive levels may inhibit respiratory function. Abnormal dopamine levels are closely related to addictive behavior. Overconsumption can lead to a lack of motivation, while overproduction may trigger mental symptoms such as hallucinations. Maintaining a balance between two neurotransmitters requires a combination of regular exercise and health reward mechanisms. It is recommended to engage in aerobic exercise at least three times a week to promote endorphin secretion, while establishing non-material reward pathways such as dopamine release for reading achievement. Avoid stimulating short-term dopamine release through high sugar diets or excessive gaming, and seek professional psychological assessment promptly when experiencing persistent emotional or behavioral abnormalities.