Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Beta-Endorphin
Beta-endorphin is an endogenous opioid peptide that is produced in the pituitary gland and central nervous system of horses. It is involved in modulating pain, stress, and behavior by binding to opioid receptors. Beta-endorphin levels can be indicative of a horse's physiological and emotional state, as they fluctuate in response to stress, exercise, and other stimuli. This peptide plays a role in the regulation of mood and can influence the animal's response to training and handling. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the production, regulation, and effects of beta-endorphin in equine physiology and behavior.
Electroacupuncture elevates blood cortisol levels in naive horses; sham treatment has no effect. It was hypothesized that electroacupuncture releases beta-endorphin and ACTH from the pituitary. Since ACTH induces the release of cortisol from the adrenal glands, blood cortisol level should be enhanced by electroacupuncture. The present result shows that the blood cortisol levels of horses are significantly increased after 30 min of electroacupuncture treatment while the sham treatment (control) shows an insignificant effect.
