🧠Neurotransmission
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← Neurotransmitters

Dynorphins

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Dynorphins are endogenous opioid peptides acting mainly at kappa-opioid receptors. Unlike the euphoria-linked endorphins, dynorphin signaling tends to produce dysphoria and stress responses, and it contributes to pain modulation, mood, and the negative-affect states that reinforce addiction. They form one arm of the body’s broader opioid system regulating pain and emotion.

Too little may be associated with

Altered pain perception

Too much may be associated with

Dysphoria, stress-related behaviors

Informational only — not medical advice.

Stimuli that influence it

Functions

Substances

Behaviors

Research (4)

Links

Recovery resources

For stimuli that influence Dynorphins. Not medical advice — see all recovery resources.