1. A group of neuropeptides produced in the brain and spinal cord that bind to opioid receptors and function as natural pain suppressors and mood regulators.
Usage: technical; neuroscience; plural form; singular is dynorphin

Examples

• Dynorphins are released during stress and help the body manage pain naturally.
• Researchers study dynorphins to understand how the brain regulates pain perception.
• The discovery of dynorphins in the 1970s advanced our knowledge of endogenous pain relief systems.
• Dynorphins work alongside other neuropeptides like endorphins to modulate neural signaling.
• Abnormal dynorphin levels have been linked to certain mood and pain disorders.