Dr Huda Akil and Dr Stan Watson - 2006

"The Dawn of Endorphins"

Dr Huda Akil and Dr Stan Watson
Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI, USA

This presentation will include coordinated segments (by Akil and Watson) about the early history of endorphins, their anatomy, biosynthesis and function. It will summarize physiological evidence that preceded their discovery and pointed to their existence and will describe the role of anatomical studies in clarifying the presence of multiple opioid systems in the pituitary and the brain. It will also discuss the notion of multiple active peptides deriving from a common precursor and how they coordinately work to modulate neural function. Finally, the presentation will focus on the role of the opioid precursors on two major functions – the control of stress and of feeding behavior.